#once again thank you for asking waaaaaa

[arsenussy]

Yes, i'm gonna have to ask for you to pretty please infodump about your persona 5 oc cause i'm obsessed-he's so freaking awesome and your artstyle is gorgeous i just have to know more <3

AAAAAA omg thank you so much!!!!! sorry it's taken me so long, life and all that

okay so. i can't remember what all i have said about him so, you get everything. his name is Akabane Haruto (last, first) (or as my phone wants to keep autocorrecting to, Alabama Naruto) and they’re a 3rd year at Shujin. his persona is Mercutio, and his arcana is The Vagabond which i just sorta made up cause why not

this is long i’m putting the rest under a break

as for more specific and personal info; its kinda depressing but i promise it gets better his whole character is built around themes of isolation, feeling directionless, lack of sense of center or even self, the feeling that you're just kinda floating through life with no substance or impact. existing without interacting a constant gnawing whole where "you" are meant to be inside Haruto wasn't always so husk-like though, of course he was actually a very loud energetic colorful kid he was a lot and they got a lot of flak for their... general manner of existing. too loud, too hyper, too odd, too different, too much so they pretty quickly learned to just stop being that way. kinda turn everything off and he became this reflective thing that would latch onto the expectations of others and spit it back out slowly losing touch with any personality he once had they were pretty popular for a while. kinda. hopped between friend groups, seeming to fit in just about anywhere. but it all had no substance. they were connections but no real relationships. so he formed this pattern of making "friends" and like joining groups and then ghosting seemingly randomly and moving on to the next group leaving everything behind in the dust. scared of getting too close where people may see how nothing he actually is inside and it didn't take long for his peers to recognize the pattern so they got a reputation for being just this super wishy washy ingenuine dude that will lead people on but doesn't actually give a shit so Haruto stops doing that all together and just. kinda keeps to himself. goes full loner mode. and he feels like just a warm body in a room. and he truly feels like theres nothing to him. no substance or skill or talent or unique traits or any traits really he is boring and he is empty and thats just how his life will be. even though in reality they're really just so repressed they don't even REALIZE they are. and then his arc would be about like. reconnecting with who he actually is. finding himself, who they once were, who they've become. finding a center, or at least a path to it. being their own person after trying to be as palatable as possible for so long. making friends. also with other weirdos where he can just. BE. and eventually the world will gain saturation again . which is why the whole metaverse outfit is so striking i think its an incredibly colorful and extravagant get-up. a macaw inspires venetian carnival costume. nothing about that is bland or empty or muted. its bold and bright and in your face and EXTRA and thats who Haruto IS he's just FORGOTTEN and the macaw aspect also still ties in with his tendency to just sorta mirror others. parrot stuff. cause that is still also a facet of Haruto and then the persona mercutio, the character from romeo and juilet (it's been a while since ive dived into romeo and juliet bare with me) he's outside of the two main houses in the story which allows him to mingle and wander. he's just got so much PERSONALITY, y'know? his emotions are one of the things that drives the plot. he's confident and unafraid to just go and let his voice and opinions and personality be heard for LENGTHS of time

i probably have more info and fun facts and whatnot hiding somewhere in my brain, but alas it is almost midnight and i can no longer think so i will leave it at this for now

[stephaniebrownslover]

HELLOOO <33333

Um can we ask weird things? If the answer is 'yes' then I want to ask what main characters do when that person who is very important for them got deadly injured and almost dying in front their eyes?? - Holy crap this be really angsty request-

(And yes in your main AU [I really loved this AU you've made it so well bro'])

(ALSO I WANT TO SAY I REALLY LOVE STEPHANIE SO SO MUCH TOO!!!!)

HIIIIIIIIII<33333333

Oh don't worry at all, it's not weird, it's just a regular angst scenario topic so you're absolutely fine, don't worry. I thought it would be something actually weird that I can't write so you can only imagine how much I relaxed after reading the rest.

I won't let seasonal allergies stop me from writing for you!

And yep that's very very angsty and we love angst in this house so that's fine.

BRO THANK YOU SO MUCH I really like this AU too even though I try to keep it simple. Thank you thank you thank you!!!!!

(STEPH STEPH STEPH WAAAAAA I LOVE HER SO SO MUCH EVEN I IF CAN'T READ COMICS ANYMORE STEPHHHHH MY LOVE IT'S REALLY NICE TO SEE AN ANOTHER STEPH FAN)

(Am I talking too much for introduction parts?)

Main Characters' reaction to someone loved's deadly wounds

-Jeff The Killer

If such a situation happens, Jeff will definitely lose his mind, which has already a little left. Let alone killing one of the few people in the world he considers worthy of caring for, no one has the right to open the slightest wound except himself. Even he has no right to such deep wounds.

He calmly holds the person standing in front of him and puts his ears against his chest so that he can hear his heartbeat. The moment he hears that faint heartbeat sound, he relaxes and tries to take the injured person on his arms and take them to the nearest person with medical knowledge. And along the way, he keeps saying that it's forbidden for that person to die.

He just doesn't want to lose another person he cares about. He doesn't want to feel another ghost's cold hands strangling him on his neck. And he's going to blame himself no matter what the situation is. Until there is news about that person, he will argue with the people who are taking care of them and gain even more hate, but as long as that person is with him, there is no problem.

Possible persons that he will give this reaction: Liu, Clockwork, Sally, Nina(?)

-Clockwork

She'll just freeze up because she can't understand what's going on. Although she is normally quite a cold-blooded person, she forgets what she should do in a panic because the sight in front of her causes cracks in her frozen heart.

However, she soon recovers herself and runs to that person. Without asking any questions or caring if their heart is still beating, she takes that person to the nearest medical doctor, even though Jack is her preference. She's so angry that she has to get it out of somewhere. But since her stress will dominate her, she waits by their side until the moment they're awake and leaves when they seem to open their eyes. If there is a funeral, she will not attend it and will pay as visit as soon as she gathers courage which will take weeks for her.

The grip of the past once again squeezes her heart. And this time in a more painful way than ever. It's all her fault for not being able to protect the one she loves. No. It's all the fault of the people who love her for making them an important person to her. No matter how painful it is, she will isolate herself because it is the only way she believes they will not be harmed any more.

Possible persons that she will give this reaction: Toby, Jeff, Nina, Zero

- Hoodie

As someone who has already faced the death of his loved ones and almost himself many times, he should be used to such situations, but he's not. No matter how many times it happens, he hasn't gotten used to this painful feeling, and he won't get used to it either. But because he is considered experienced, he knows what he has to do.

First, he will check the pulse of that person, and if it is still beating, he goes to one of the medics while applying some pressure to their wound. Since he called all three of them by phone or transceiver and informed them on the way, it would give them an opportunity to prepare. Along the way, he also tries to convince that person that there is no problem.

Although he wants to be with his business partner until they wake up, he first needs to give a report about what he saw. If that person wakes up, he will take a more careful attitude towards them in the tasks they go out together, because the memories that come before his eyes at any moment are already too painful. If they do not wake up, he visits their grave regularly, even though he buries a part of himself with him every time, he is likely to cry at the first one.

Possible persons that he will give this reaction: Tim, Toby(?)

-Masky

When he firstly sees that the person in front of him is so seriously injured, he runs to them and calmly asks what is going on while pressing on their wounds. He tries to act as coolly as possible, then goes to the nearest medical person, Ann by preference. During this time, he does not let that person down from his arms, nor does he try to talk to them in any other way.

He goes out often because he can't bear to stand next to that person while they're being treated, but he returns to that environment because he feels guilty, and such a vicious cycle occurs. He stands without saying a word, chain-smoking in the hope of reducing his tension. Tim is ready to do everything for the person takes care of his business partner's needs without opposing it for the first time.

In fact, although he looks very calm on the outside during the entire process, there is a literally devastating storm inside. His emotions are constantly at war, and when no one is looking, he can't control himself and makes fists out of his hands. Since he knows that he absolutely cannot bear to lose another person he will remember, he is ready to do anything so that the angel of death does not knock on that person's door. Even if it means destroying himself in the process.

Possible persons that he will give this reaction: Brian

-Ticci Toby

The moment Toby sees that sight, his tics triggered by elements such as fear and adrenaline will increase incredibly. Because of the look he sees in front of him, some of his past memories will come back before his eyes, and he will be even worse off, almost unable to do anything. If he is not alone, his partner does the work of taking care of that person, but if he is alone, he tries to collect himself.

Although he hates himself for staying so still, it's not easy for him to shake off the trauma of both the past and the present. As soon as he pulls himself together, he puts pressure on the wounds, calls one of the other people he trusts the most and lets them know. If no one answers the phone or radio call, he will screw everything and call the ambulance.

He can't lose another person. Another person he cares about can't close their eyes forever because of his incompetence. They're not allowed to leave him alone, so that person has to heal no matter what. And if they get well- no, when they get well Toby will never leave after them again. Because he can't bear to see another face he remembers dimly in the darkness that preys on his nightmares.

Possible persons that he will give this reaction: Natalie, Kate, Rouge, (Eyeless) Jack, Nina

-Eyeless Jack

Since he knows medicine and took care of people he has loved before, he should not worry about this situation. Okay, but then why do his hands shake every time he presses on the bleeding area? Why can't he keep his cool attitude? Why, why, why? He actually knows the reason for this. He knows, but he doesn't want to admit it to himself. He doesn't want to admit that he has a weakness others can use against him.

He tries to take care of their wound on his own and tries to do something using things like bandages, oxygenated water, sewing thread, which he usually carries in his backpack while walking in the forest, but when he realizes that this is not enough, he swears and takes that person on his back. He takes them on his back towards his own infirmary.

He'll let Ann and Smiley know, but he doesn't know why he's calling since he won't let them do anything when they come to his cabin. Eventually, Ann takes control and tells Jack to rest. Jack also waits for the result in a waiting chair with black tears pouring from his eyes. The most intense emotion he feels after sadness is disappointment and fear.

Possible persons that he will give this reaction: Toby, Sally, Kate

-Jane The Killer

When an injured person comes across, of course, she wants to help them, but when she sees who this person is, she suddenly pauses. She freezes inside her mind and can't do anything. She can only watch the landscape with tears in her eyes until she regains the ability to think again.

And when she becomes able to do something, she calls the ambulance, not caring about her money and things that should remain secret for government's sake. She can't lose the one she loves and she needs to save them. So she presses on the deepest wounds of that person until the ambulance arrives, and tries to keep her voice calm, stroking their hair. It's very important for that person to know that they will be saved, it's maybe for the injured person, maybe for Jane.

She can't afford to lose another person. Having become so strong, she cannot accept returning to the age of thirteen, when she is incapable of protecting her loved ones again. She needed to be a stronger person, she needed to be able to help her loved ones. She couldn't have devoted her whole life to nothing, she couldn't have. Whoever dares to harm the one she loves will taste the bitterest death at her hands.

Possible persons that she will give this reaction: Mary

-X-Virus

Cody is normally someone who is quite overcome by his emotions, and he is calm in the face of this incident in a way that he does not understand either. In fact, he feels as if someone else has taken over his body. He does a little first aid work with the help of his medical knowledge, which he knows more or less, and the painkillers he carries with him, as well as oxygenated water. He also informs the ambulance before starting to administer first aid.

Although he cares a lot about this person, he should disappear when the ambulance arrives. But during this process, he holds the person's hand and tells them to stay calm, that he will always watch over them even if he is not with them, and when they get better, he will help them escape. Since he sucks at this kind of calming stuff, he tries to do his best, but he proceeds with a solution-oriented approach.

He has never lost someone he loves because there was no one who really cared about him before. These feelings are very alien to him and he hates it. He is ready to dislocate his heart to destroy the painful feeling he feels in his heart. As long as se doesn't have to experience the terrible pain he feels all the time for others. Because he doesn't think he can stay as strong as others on this topic.

Possible persons that he will give this reaction: Toby, Ann

-Nina The Killer

She knows the pain of this because she has experienced a big loss before. She killed her parents when Zalgo controlled her to cause difficulty for Slenderman, and she suffered incredibly great emotional pain when she regained control just the moment where she plunged a knife into the heart of her dearest little brother Chris, and she still does. As a nurse who takes it upon herself to wipe the invisible bloodstains on her hands, she has knowledge of first aid, but when she sees this sight, she definitely can't help being shocked. Due to the job of a nurse, she has seen much worse, but none of them was someone she loved so much.

She knows what she has to do. She carries a spare bandage in her bag at all times and is able to wrap some of the wounds and give first aid. She tries to tear off pieces of her own clothes and treats the wounds with missing cloth, she also wants to call the hospital where she works. But later she remembers that this will put her own career at risk, and she calls anyway. An ambulance comes and picks up her injured loved one, while Nina is crying the whole way.

When they arrive at the hospital, her friends won't let her take care of them. She tries to be there for them but no matter what she does, her colleagues who really value her as a friend keep her away. She's absolutely incredibly remorseful, and she knows that when this person gets out, they'll be angry that she didn't take them to Jack or Ann or even Smiley. And her own career was ruined because she brought a killer and cried for them, but she doesn't care. As long as she doesn't lose anyone again. As long as the memory bracelet on her arm doesn't add a new bead.

Possible persons that she will give this reaction: Kate, Clockwork, Toby, Jeff, Sally

-Kate The Chaser

Kate has a lot of experience in this situation. She was also very seriously injured herself and worried other people. Nevertheless, she is angry with herself for not being able to stop her heart from being filled with fear. She runs to that person, puts her unmasked face close to their face and tries to reassure them that they will be fine. After calling all the medics and informing them, she applies a small-scale bandage operation with her clothes.

After deciding that they are better, she takes that person on her arms, regardless of their weight, and takes them to the nearest medical person. If they say that they can't do anything, that it's too late, she threatens them, and if they don't agree again, she'll leave the forest and call the ambulance. She will not allow even the person she allowed herself to love to die. No matter what the cost is.

And during the whole process of taking care of this wound, she gives scary looks and stands next to this person. She's not allowed to sleep or rest until she's sure that they're okay. She had lost her own life before, but thanks to this person, she has a life again, and she will not allow them to lose their own. Even if that person dies, Slenderman will bring them back to life because he wants his best proxy not to disrupt his duties, but Kate knows that this is not the same thing, so she is still trying to make that person live. She's not ready to lose that person and she never will be.

Possible persons that she will give this reaction: Nina, Toby, Rouge(?)

I think I get the request wrong

Also I don't know why Nina's part is always the longest even though she's not my fave, it's Clockwork.

[these-detestable-hands]

Artur and Lute had made something of a routine at this point. Nearly every night they would meet in her tent and talk about anything and everything. Lute always had something to talk about, whether it be a new spell or an interesting part of a book she was reading, and Artur was more than happy to listen.

However, tonight was different. Lute was lacking her usual enthusiasm, and Artur couldn’t help but notice the bags under her eyes.

“Lute, are you feeling alright? You look as if you haven’t slept in days…” he asked.

It took Lute a few seconds to even process that Artur was talking to her, and she hurriedly tried (and failed) to wipe the tiredness out of her eyes.

“Hm? Oh! No, it’s just… I’ve been having trouble falling asleep lately.” she admitted.

Artur wasn’t exactly suprised at that. They were in the middle of a war, after all. That couldn’t be good for the nerves.

“That’s… not good.” Artur hummed. “Is there… something I can do to help?”

“I don’t think s-“ Lute started, before a flash of inspiration struck her. “Stay right there!” she ordered and she hurried over to her bedroll, searching around for… something.

Artur wasn’t sure what to expect as she pulled out a book, the copy of Lux Aeterna he had lended her, to be exact.

“Here!” She quickly pushed the book into his hands, and looked at Artur expectantly. “You can read this to me!”

It took Artur longer than he cared to admit to process this. “You want me to… read to you?”

“Yes!” Lute nodded. “It’s just… well… your voice is… nice to listen to, and.. I thought that it would maybe help me fall asleep…”Lute’s voice practically became a whisper, and Artur couldn’t help but notice the redness on her cheeks as she spoke.

Ah. That explained a few things.

“W-well…” Artur stammered. “If you really think it would help, I’d be happy to!”

Lute immediatly perked up upon hearing that, and said a quick ‘thank you’ as she scooched next to him.

Artur flipped to a random page and began reading.

“The practice of utilizing Light magic in battle can be traced back to some of the first battles in the war that sealed the Demon King away. In the-“

He stopped mid-sentence once he felt something fall against him.

“Lute?”

One glance towards his shoulder gave him all the answers he needed. Lute was already fast asleep, fully leaning onto Artur’s shoulder. She must’ve been more tired than he realized.

He couldn’t help but smile at her sleeping form, glad that she was finally getting the rest she deserved.

Artur slowly picked up Lute and carried her over to her bedroll, carefully setting her down on it. Just as he turned to leave and go back to his own tent, however, he felt Lute’s hand grab the sleeve of his robe.

He could hear Lute sleepily muttering something, but he couldn’t quite make out what. He tried moving again and she let out a slightly more annoyed-sounding mumble as her grip on his sleeve tightened. She was clearly not planning on letting Artur leave.

He let out a small, defeated sigh as he crawled into bed with her. The second Artur was laying next to her, Lute quickly wrapped her arms around him, letting out out a small, satisfied hum.

As he laid next to the love of his life, staring at the starry sky barely visible through the tent above, Artur couldn’t help but feel that things would turn out alright.

WAAAAAA BEAN SHAKING YOU VIOLENTLY!! IT'S SO CUTE I LOVE THEM!!! AND YOU WRITE SO WELL!! I love that Lute just instantly fell asleep and made Artur stay with her that's so!!! Ough!! I love it so so much you do not understand omg!!!

[chazz-is-a-zelda-fan]

waaAAAA!!! the last part........ im going to cry.... /pos

we have fun on our new adventure.... but soon it would... wrap up.... or at least this part! shortly after.... the quadret ends up back to where they first met.... right outside the void! i say byebye to bery and blaziken... and i get HURRY too.... cant leave him again c: -🖤

as everyone steps out of the void, it finally hits Beryllium just how much fun this was. he can't remember the last time he laughed so loud, or wrestled with Blaziken for fun. the dull ache in kyan's side has returned, yet another signal of their arrival. they hate to admit it, but kyan's gonna miss you. Blaziken gently passes HURRY back into your arms, sad to see the other Fire-type go. Bery sighs gently, knowing what comes next. both kyan and Blaziken hate this part.

"Thank you for this, Gold. this was the best time either of us have had in years." Beryllium smiles up at Blaziken, asking if they want to say any last words before they part. Blaziken gives you and HURRY a gentle hug, careful not to crush either of you. Bery knows its time to go, but can't. so close... he's so close to being happy again! but neither kyan nor Blaziken can stay with you and HURRY. they know that. but he has to do something...

"here, take this. i don't know if we'll ever see each other again, considering where me and Blaziken are going, but please... don't forget me."

Beryllium passes you a regular Pokeball, red chipped off on some spots, but intact. there's something different about this one, a strange power coming from it. "This one... he's a bit of an old friend. take care of him for me while I'm gone, okay?" You try to protest, to say that you couldn't possibly take one of their Pokemon, but Beryllium is already walking away. at the last moment, just before they fade from your vision, kyan turns, good eye looking at you.

"I hope you and Latios can get along good together." he smiles once more, before both Blaziken and Beryllium disappear from your sight.

[berryunho]

oh my god hello!!!!!!!!!! it is i san anon and AAAAAAAA it's been so long???? before summer i think... i sincerely apologise for disappearing BUT i came here to say happy (very) belated birthday i hope you had THE best time and GOOD LUCK ON YOUR FINALS and BOOOOOOO THAT THE ANSWER TEASER not san. NOT san. i beg. don't kill him off just yet. he's my favourite :((((((((((((((( silly guy

ALSO since i'm typing this a few hours before the comeback... ARE YOU EXCITED? ARE YOU? DID YOU ORDER ALBUMS? and also HOW HAVE YOU BEEN i missed out on so much omg ANYWAY. LOVE U MWAH

SAN ANON!!!!! ITS SO NICE TO HEAR FROM YOU WAAAAAA SDL;FAJSDLFKAJS but dw about disappearing lol i was pretty inactive for a while too so i get it fr lol but THANK YOU so much and THANK YOU AGAIN hehehe

san is ........ you know .... :] YEAH

but YES OH MY GODDD RAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH IM SO INSANE LIKE SERIOUSLY IM KDJFA;KSDJFA;LDKJF;ASLDK THE ALBUM IS SO GOOD LIKE LITERALLY EVERY SONG IS A MASTERPIECE IVE LISTENED TO IT START TO FINISH AT LEAST ONCE EVERYDAY SINCE THURSDAY LIKE ALKDJFASKDFJA; but. yes. i ordered albums. and happened to live close to a popup. so... i have 1 digipack 3 a versions (1 is still in the mail) 3 d versions and currently only ONE z ver bc the popup literally didnt have a single z ver ANY DAY i went literally EVERYDAY and they didnt get them ever so ANYWAYS im going to buy 2 more just from target ig .... BUT i have four signed albums teehee 1 yunho 1 yeosang 1 seonghwa and im waiting for my preordered signed album... shoutout to the girl at the hello82 popup for being like "im not supposed to ask whos signature you want so ill ask who your bias is" she was REALLLLLLLL anyways for pulls i litcherally only pulled 3 yunhos in all those albums... and 2 of them were the same card... like... tears flowed... but ive pulled NINE WOOYOUNGS and ZERO MINGIS also so like...... i dont understand anything anymore...

BUT YEAH ANYWAYS THATS ME HOW HAVE YOU BEEN? DID YOU GET ALBUMS? SHARE YOUR PULLS? LOVE YOU KISSES MWAHHHHH

[lume-nescence]

Being Soma, Megumi, & Takumi’s S/O

(separate)

an: okay i know i said something about “frequent uploads” but i got lazy again,,, anyways i’ve rarely seen any food wars fics so i’d thought to write something for it! not sure if anyone’s heard or into it as well but i just love this trio <3 (we’re going to ignore that this has been sitting in my drafts for two months)

pronouns: they/them

genre: headcanons, crack

cw: possibly ooc soma

Soma

being his s/o would be amazing or terrifying

why terrifying? you know his disgusting experiments he calls food? yes since you’re his lovely s/o you have the honor of being the taste tester for them

if you’re good at cooking, he’ll be challenging you to tons shokugekis. if you’re not, that’s alright, he’s cool with giving some tips he’s got from his dad and teaching you <3

he’ll always 1-up you. and i mean always. he’s so competitive

like we get it soma you’re a godly cook

you both taste each other’s dishes and compliment one another until mans said

“y/n i think you should add a little more salt to enhance the flavor.”

“WHAT? SAYS YOU!”

“really now? you talking to me like that says otherwise. i think YOU’RE the salty one here.”

he’s such a tease. say you’re.. short, or shorter than him, and you’re trying to get something from the top shelf of the kitchen in the polar star dormitory.

he’ll be there snickering like: “wow, y/n, how’s the weather down there?”

yeah, eventually he’ll help you out afterwards

if you’re taller he’s in awe. like: “woah! never knew there’s someone taller than me.”

and he means it lovingly, but that doesn’t stop him from challenging you to shokugekis every now and then

i imagined this one scenario where you and him are casually taking a stroll in town and then when you came across something you wanted to eat, you were hesitant into getting it until soma noticed and was like “oh, you want to try those? i’ll get some for us to try!”

and then.. he got challenged into a shokugeki because of his reputation. which of course he accepts because soma is soma. but newsflash, he won of course because he’s soma <3 plot armor *coughs*

but you both enjoyed their food <3 soma gives them tips as well

when y o u get challenged to a shokugeki with HIM just idling standing by, he’s literally like: “woah there, challenging them on the spot? wrong move. do you know who you’re facing?” with that smirk on his face.

immediate confidence boost.

he’ll be your confidence booster <3

when he introduces you to the polar star gang he goes: “guys, this is y/n. my s/o. they’re the #2 chef beside me!” with him happily patting your head/shoulder

anyways, he’s a teasing asshole but he’s your teasing asshole <3

Megumi

i love her. she’s so cute!

agahdga faints

im sorry i love her so much

if you’re having a bad day, she’ll be panicking at first and then ask you what’s wrong. when you told her what’s wrong she said she’ll cook something up for you to make you feel better

and you know her food SLAPS. (sorry soma ily) her food can make someone feel a sense of warmth and comfort inside since her specialty is hospitality

now i want to try her food

once she’s finished she brings the dish up to you with a confident look on her face like: “i got this. they will feel better in no time! you got this megumi! you’ve come a long way with your cooking!”

sobbing i love her. did i say that already?

once you tried her dish, you have a smile plastered on your face as expected. you thanked her for the food and say how delicious it is. she’s literally all: “oh! thank you! ah- you’re welcome! it’s no problem! im just looking out for you!”

megumi :((

she’s willing to cook for you! say you’re like “i could go for some food rn” she’s IMMEDIATELY on it

i have a feeling she’ll say “i love you!” every 2 minutes to make sure you’re aware of it.

because she does love you!

she’s literally a mother to you frfr

“have you eaten?” “did you drink water?” she’s just looking out for you because she really cares about you <3

omg and picnic dates too WAAAAAA

okay i haven’t written something dumb here yet so im going to do just that

sorry megumi ilysm but im going to implement some dumb shit here too

okay so you decided to warm up some leftovers megumi gave you right?

well, you realized that you put your metal utensils in there too

you forgor

megumi was panicking so much and almost tripped when trying to stop the microwave

god bless her

she doesn’t trust you with the microwave after that

and please don’t ever try that

megumi care you

<3

Takumi

ah yes, we love a tsundere boy.

i can picture his brother teasing him for being so close to you and he’s all flustered

“ISAMI!! NOT IN FRONT OF THEM-“

cue isami lol’ing irl

also him flirting with you in italian oh my

he’d be the type to tell you cheesy pick up lines

like “are you a parking ticket? because you’ve got fine written all over you.”

you couldn’t help but snort and say “takumi are you done yet?” because he’s been going at it for 3 minutes. it’s as if he studied this pick up line thoroughly just for this moment

you know how he always challenges soma to a shokugeki right? well now he has another reason to be challenging him. it’s to impress you.

you’ll always see soma and takumi bicker when it’s just takumi doing most of the bickering

it’s hilarious to see takumi relishing his rival role towards soma

because you’re usually there to see him and he gets embarrassed

and my boy soma teases him for that

there are times where he’ll let you hold the mezzaluna <3

i can also picture him flexing in front of soma that he’s got a s/o before him

this man can make anything into a competition i swear

if someone’s rude to you, he’s scary when he’s mad.

drops the tsundere facade and puts on his big boy pants

he’ll have that same attitude from when he faced eizan

these are so short i apologize i got tired

but tbh takumi would be an amazing bf

[actualbird]

Loved your dress analysis/adoration for MC (I love MC so much...I adore her...she's so pretty and just, a really good character anyways I'm getting off track). But I was staring at the last one because of how you described it and my eyes could be playing tricks on me, but it almost looks like the top part of the dress is a more structured bodice almost, because there's a subtle change in fabric right around Luke's hand, but above the assumed slit, and the bodice seam ends as well. I wonder if it's made of ruched fabric at any point or has accent wraps or draping to give some textural contrast or just cling to her better, it's hard for me to tell with black on black, but just thought it was something cool I didn't notice until your attention to it! Thanks for all the awesome things you make to share with us!!!

hello!! and wahhh, im glad u liked the dress adoration post :DDD

and OH GOSH UR RIGHT!! I DIDNT NOTICE THIS!!! ur eyes are not playing tricks on u, the bodice is totally looks to be a different fabric and the waistline seam is visible thanks to the slight raised bit of the beginning of the skirt portion

maaaan, this is lovely, thank you so much for pointing it out!!! the bodice being a piece on its own attached to the skirt portion of the dress + the detailing at the back, the little diamonds at lining the spine, it almost makes the bodice resemble a corset and waaaAAA i love that so much

i would rlly love if theres a ruched fabric or a draping situation like u mention cuz yea, the dress all in all is very Smooth so itd make a great contrast!!! or maybe if stick to the smooth for the whole dress, the gold details from the back bit can make a comeback in the front so it's a repeating motif. once again, i yearn so so much for full body front and back refs for these dresses, surely they exist, mhy, im begging.

thank you for this lovely ask :DDD

[clanwarrior-tumbly]

Hi! Could you do the v3 cast with an S/O that gets lost super easily? Like,, one second they’re there, and the next nobody knows where they are?- Thank ya if ya do!

This feels like a callout bc I kept getting hella lost in the academy (especially chapter 6 when you couldn’t teleport around the map hjdjgj)

..........

Shuichi

One moment you’re investigating the crime scene together.

And the next you’re gone when he turns around to ask you a question.

Poor boy gets scared and confused.

But he understands how easy it is to get lost.

He’ll just be sure to check his map and find you quickly.

Gonta

P a n i c

He’s close to breaking down doors and flipping over tables to find you.

But fortunately you manage to find your way back to him.

And he’ll crush you with a hug.

“Gonta was so worried for you! Please..don’t scared Gonta like that again..”

Tsumugi

Her habits of staring off into space make her easily lose sight of you.

Once she does snap back to reality, she’ll search everywhere for you.

She worries you keep leaving bc she’s plain and boring, but you reassure her she isn’t.

Kokichi

“Awh s/o’s playing hide n’ seek again?”

He just grins and runs off to find you.

And he does so rather quickly, knowing where you hang out most.

"Were you hiding from me on purpose? That's so mEAN WAAAAAA-"

Himiko

"Nyeh? They got lost again?? What a pain.."

But she searches for you nevertheless, using her "magic" to locate you.

When you eventually turn up, she huffs and scolds you for making her drained of MP.

Angie

She isn't too worried.

She knows is that Atua is leading you around and soon He'll bring you back to her.

Though she does secretly miss you and wished you didn't always disappear on her.

Kaede

"What did you think of that song......huh?!!"

Poor girl is scared you got lost again

She'll be running to your lab and dorm, wondering where the heck you went this time.

When she finds you, she's relieved as she embraces you tightly.

Kirumi

With her always doing tasks, it's hard for her to keep her eyes on you.

So when you vanish without warning, she tries to finish quickly before searching for you (unless someone stops her with an urgent request).

"It's okay if you need to attend to other matters, but please let me know ahead of time, alright?" She talks like a stern mother.

Ryoma

Tries not to worry, but for you to suddenly disappear when you were beside him only a moment ago...

His heart can't help but start racing as he searches high and low for you.

Fortunately you didn't wander far and you're surprised when he hugs you.

"Jeez, don't scare me like that."

Tenko

Tends to freak out and assume you got abducted.

Will probably interrogate all the male students before you find your way back to her.

"Tenko! I'm okay please put Kokichi down he did nothing wrong this time-"

Korekiyo

Is utterly confused at where you could've gone when he asked if you could retrieve something from his dorm.

But he understands his lab is on an..obscure floor.

And he'll search for you, amused all the while.

Miu

She'll never understand how the heck you always get lost.

But that doesn't stop her from pausing her projects to look for you.

When you manage to find her first, she laughs like "Awh you were hiding but you were so desperate to see this sexy ass you just had to-!"

"Actually Miu, I heard you calling my name...so who's really the "desperate" one here?"

Miu: *screams internally*

K1B0

He's bewildered you get lost so easily..even though you have the map on you at all times.

While he's certain you'll find your way around, he decides to look for you, knowing that his human companion should not be alone for too long.

Expect quite a scolding from him, though you can tell he was only scared for you.

Rantaro

He understands it's easy to get lost, so he tries not to worry about you.

But if it's anytime after the motive comes out or there's an investigation going on, he becomes worried.

So he'll search for you, trying to keep calm.

And he can't help but sigh in relief when he finds you.

Maki

Don't expect to get very far.

As she'll find you rather quickly and be a bit annoyed you got "lost" again.

"Do you wanna die?"

"I promise I'm not getting lost on purpose, Maki Roll!"

".......fine you can call me that, too."

Kaito

✨Panic✨

He should've been watching you! And knowing that the body discovery announcement could play anytime, he's especially scared for your safety.

So he'll search high and low for you...

Only for you to somehow find his lab??

Just expect lots of his tight hugs and watchful gazes for the next few days.

[secret-realm]

On today’s living with my beloveds, here comes: “fighting the cold: winter season” because it’s winter time for me and today’s weather was really cold.

Mammon:

A whole human demon heater.

His body heat is naturally warm, so the cold doesn’t affect him too much.

Thanks to this he can easily go around wearing sleeveless shirts inside the house.

Someone touches his arm slightly with cold hands and he ends up jumping away.

"Oi! What would ya come like that out of nowhere?"

He's really easy to scare, so be careful.

"Of course the great Mammon can handle this cold- oh, y-you wanted a hug? Wait! We're ya goin'?"

Faust loves to squeeze him out of nowhere.

Asra:

Human heater pt.2.

Pretty much has to do with Asra's warm aura.

Will carry a blanket around for everyone else who gets cold.

"You should wear some more layers of clothes if you're feeling cold"

Sweet and gentle smile.

But if someone doesn't listen to the advice provided by Asra then they'll get dragged by a blanket that will get attached to them.

"Next time we can avoid this if you listen to me."

One of Stella's favourite sleeping place (but don't tell Felix).

Felix:

As cold as the chilly air.

The low temperatures don’t really affect him because he's used to it.

But if something way colder directly touches him he’s yeeting himself away.

Almost like a startled cat.

Not Stella though, she's too cool for that.

"There's no need for me to wear more clothes, I'm not shaking because of the cold. Why? It must be due to exhaustion since I did not- what? I refuse to take a nap!"

Intriguing creature for Faust, but too cold for her to stay next to him for too long.

He still will get squeezed tho.

Saeyoung:

If the weather is cold then he gets cold.

But with a warm environment he will be alright.

Although he is pretty much going around all of the time, so he keeps himself warm by moving too.

Literally everywhere at all times??

Hold on? Was he drinking too much Dr. Pepper again? He was told not to do that!

"Of course I wasn't drinking Dr. Pepper for the fourth time today ha... I-"

And there he goes running away.

"Lady Stella! Please help me! Waaaaaa-"

Sophie:

Usually cold.

Sometimes her body is cold, and it doesn’t feel like it at all.

Other times her body is so cold that even her soul can feel it.

“I think my thermoregulation is broken”

Close to the heater when it is too cold around her. She’s warm now.

Five steps away from the heater and Sophie is cold once again.

Hands’ skin gets cracked during winter season and fingers are full of little cuts.

"My hands are not even cold now!... Are they?"

Sophie had been typing on her laptop for an entire hour now, and Felix was sitting next to her. The day had been really cold, but both of them took care of their tasks naturally.

Then all of a sudden cold air brushed the back of their necks, making both of them shake slightly. Although it was not that big of a deal and they could have continued their routine the same way, everything was about to change.

A door of the corridor opened, and then a couple steps were heard.

"Why are both of you not wearing your sweaters?"

Felix and Sophie could practically see Asra's smile even without turning around, and it was more than enough to terrify them. A unhappy, smiling Asra means they are in trouble.

In mere seconds Sophie had placed her laptop on top of the couch to dash out of the living room.

"Mammon, help!" Sophie shouted trying to get the demon to save her, but Felix tackled her to the floor to run away faster than her. "Felix, what-"

"My apologies Sophie, but as you can see I must save myself as well." Felix said not even turning around to spare Sophie a glance.

Out of the corner, Mammon made his way into the room, glancing at Sophie who was just getting up. "Oi, what's goin' on here?" he asked, clearly confused.

"Mammon, save me." Sophie's big eyes seemed even bigger now that she seemed terrified.

Without even getting an answer she closed the distance between them, quickly hugging Mammon and hiding her face.

"Hundred hells!" The scream was heard and then steps getting louder. Felix was going back to the room, Asra hot on his heels.

The next thing they knew was that Felix attached himself to the other side of Mammon, and Sophie tried pushing him away.

"Get off! Find your own hiding place" she said trying to get Felix's hands off of Mammon, but he quickly shook his head.

"Why must I leave? Perhaps it is you who needs another spot to hide."

The bickering stopped instantly after noticing someone stopping in front of everyone.

"You both, if you are cold, why don't you wear more clothes? Am I asking for too much?"

And there it was. The charming yet terrifying smile had made its way onto Asra's face

Before anyone could protest, Saeyoung had arrived, stopping next to Asra and allowing his arm to rest over the magician's shoulder.

"I found a new movie for us to watch. I got snacks too, let's go~ Lady Stella is waiting for us already, and we can't make our queen wait."

When Asra turned around after muttering that it was alright and following Saeyoung back into the living room, Sophie and Felix finally allowed themselves to let go of Mammon who was simply smiling at them, trying not to laugh.

Three, two, one seconds... And two blankets had appeared out of thin air enveloping both Sophie and Felix, dragging them back to the living room. Of course they were not free of the scolding.

[paipayaseeds]

fumiko nodded, walking over to the stuttering detective and taking the plushey from his hands softly. she looked at it in silence, almost pouting as she stared at the black and white object.

“i can... keep it?” she confirmed, looking up at shuichi. her expression changed from almost being sad to overwhelming joy as she hugged the whale. she buried her face in the soft material and just stood there for at least 15 seconds before lifting her head out to reveal her wet, red face. maybe it was because she couldn’t remember the last time she had a stuffed animal, maybe it was because it came from shuichi, or perhaps it was her lack of sleep; regardless, she was standing in front of shuichi, hugging a stuffed killer whale, and sobbing.

“it’s- so- cute— i- thank you! thank you, thank you, thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou—” she ran into shuichi’s arms, putting her forehead on his chest and continued to cry with the gift in hers. more words kept falling out of her mouth, but it was all muffled, unintelligible noise. a few minutes pass before she pulls herself together, sniffling as she stepped back a bit.

“...yeah.” she said, eyeing the caramels he had in his hand. fumiko didn’t want to take them if it meant letting go of the other gift he’d given her. she didn’t specify which dorm she was going to, shuichi’s was just her default.

-

on the way back to his room, fumiko stood so close to shuichi that she’d unintentionally caused him to put his arm around her neck. as soon as she felt the air from outside hit her skin, she remembered that she still needed to shower. squeezing the plush a little tighter, she spoke up, “shuichi?”

once she had his attention and they stopped, her face flushed a bit, “um- i’ve gotta take a shower still and- i mean, i-if you want me to i’ll do it in my room but, uh,” she paused for a moment, embarrassed about what she hadn’t even said yet, “i was wonder- i was wondering if i could use yours instead...? it’s just that- well, with everything i-i’m... i’mscared...” the last part came out as more of a weird squeak than anything comprehensible, and she looked down at the pavement they stood on, skin getting redder for no apparent reason.

“i was also wondering if i could- if you’d let me— i-if you’d be, um, okay with...” she took a deep breath and started again, “ificouldsleepinyourclothesagain— theywerejustreallycomfy a-and soft and—”

fumiko continued to mumble things into her stuffed animal, unintentionally muffling her voice. when she finally stopped talking, she peeked up at shuichi to see his reaction— she wasn’t sure what to expect, it wasn’t like she found herself in this situation very often. well, before her life at this school began, since she seemed to get herself into these types of situations with shuichi all the time now.

(WAAAAAA IM SORRY ITS SO SHORT BUT I HAD FUN WITH IT TOO FHEJFNFNWHGT AND DONT WORRY ABOUT THE WAIT UR GOOD SHDNNSHFBRH)

Somehow, by some incredible statistic, Shuichi had managed to catch everything Fumiko had said, despite it being an unbelievably difficult thing to do.

Shuichi's eyes widened as his face flushed simultaneously, whatever he had been expecting her to say, that had been the last thing on his mind.

"U- um, my clothes?" He spoke as if there was someone else she could've been talking to, but there really wasn't, and there really couldn't be; thank god for that. Everyone had already been asleep, and despite the school not having a single clock on its walls, it was obvious that it had been late enough for no one to be awake at that hour.

He never really thought his clothes would be something Fumiko would actually prefer sleeping in, he had never thought of his uniform as exceedingly soft or comfortable, but maybe that was because he had been living in them for the duration of their stay in the killing game.

"Of- of course!" Backpedal, Shuichi! You sound too eager!

"Um, I mean," He lowered his voice subconsciously, eyes darting all over her face before settling on the plushey (yeah we just spelling it like that now-). "I can't see exactly why, but, yeah, sure...! I just.. Want you to be comfortable." That, and the fact that Shuichi had adored the way she looked in his clothes.

Shuichi had still been extremely flustered and nervous about the usage of his shower, from Fumiko — it's not like he hated it, why would he hate it? Did he like it? Well-

Yes- Maybe- No, it was because he was a stupid little virgin emo boy who had no idea how to manage his feelings —

"Y- Yeah, you can- you can shower in my room, it's- it's just a shower after all, haha..." It was much more than that, well, to Shuichi at least.

Shuichi paused for a second, a nervous smile faltering off his face as his heart-eyes lingered on her from the side of his peripheral vision. Is it really okay to be that criminally cute? A small, silly part of him felt like she was guilty of a dangerous crime and should be arrested.

What was the crime you ask?

Calling him stinky- Stealing his heart.

After forcefully pulling himself out of his daze, Shuichi suddenly stammered over his words, feeling as though it had been hidden in a large pile of wet sand. "U- Um, oh, we're here!" Shuichi hadn't noticed how quickly they had got there, probably because he had been daydreaming of Fumiko- tired.

Shuichi fumbled with the doorknob, gasping silently to himself as he realized he left the door unlocked. Thank god everyone had been sleeping, he thought to himself in relief.

As he brought out another goddamn replica of his signature uniform, he called out as he occupied his hands. "I... Feel like this may be a bit backhanded to say, but please don't hurt yourself in the shower...!" Shuichi wouldn't be able to do anything if she did— well, technically speaking, he could, but he shouldn't.

Shuichi opened his bathroom door, attentive eyes scanning the bathroom for any nasties or secrets that he may have left in there for Fumiko to see, setting the clothes down on the sink table(what is it called-) as he thankfully hadn't caught any.

"Um, I can take the toy for you as you sh-" Just say it, you coward. "Shower. If you want." He held his hand out to take it from her.

[hugispuso-archive]

🎫 here's a gush pass! feel free to gush about whichever f/o you want, however much you want, then send this ask to 3 other selfshippers!

ANONNNN THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS OMG 🥺👉👈

ok since this will probably get long (future me: yes it did), i'll put it under the cut!!

*ahem* OKAY SO!!!

THIS IMAGE WAAAAAAAA..... 🥺🥺🥺💖 THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE IMAGES OF HIM BECAUSE HE JUST LOOKS SO HAPPY??? i just jrbfjjfj i wanna kiss him!!!! wrap my arms around his neck and tiptoe and kiss him passionately!!!!! he seriously looks like a dorito like JDHFHHF. he has that dorito stereotypical shape. i find that so interesting!! he's also VERY large. LOOK AT HIS ARMS. HE COULD PROBABLY CARRY ME WITHOUT BREAKING A SWEAT.

i once cried looking at this image jfhfifjg. i think i was having a kinda bad day?? yeah. i came out of the shower and opened my phone and scrolled through his album and just went !!!! joseeee!!!! i love you so much omg you make me so happy aaaaaaaa!!!! 😭😭💗💗

HIS SMILE.... IS EVERYTHING. i love everything about him waaaaaa!!! i wanna know how it feels like to actually kiss him. like!!! the stache will probably get in the way but i think that makes the kiss even more endearing. i want to feel his arms around me, feel him smile against the kiss, just, feel him. i am so touch starved, he could probably satisfy all the desires i've been holding for so long. he could give me kisses, cuddles, head pats, anything!!!! i want him so badly and i'd do anything just to make him happy!!!! he deserves the best of the best and i won't hesitate to give him that.

OKAY ACTUALLY. i had an idea where i was able to arrive at the manor just like him (in our original story, i was left behind). i could imagine the nervousness and excitement the other survivors must be in because they've been expecting me!!! like,

"OMG YOU'RE KRYXELLE BADEN??? LIKE- LIKE JOSE BADEN'S SPOUSE??"

"yeaaah..?"

"AAAAAA WHERE IS JOSE"

KBDHIFIFJJF LIKE!!!! IT'S SO EXCITING!!!! he probably told all the survivors about me but they weren't expecting me to arrive this early! they scramble throughout the manor to find the jose but it turns out he was still in a match JDBFJFJF. OH, OH, AND THE PART WHERE I AND JOSE MEETS AGAIN WWAWAWAAWWJSJ. we stare for a few seconds until we get pushed and we just!!!! run at each other!!!! we hug each other tightly, as if we'd never let go. and we KISS!!! RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE OTHER SURVIVORS. WE COULD CARE LESS BECAUSE IT'S BEEN LONG SINCE WE'VE SEEN AND FELT EACH OTHER, ALL WE WANT IS TO BE TOGETHER AGAIN. aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa i got flustered when i thought of this moment!!!! i love him so much!!!

there was this one time where i went like "i wonder when is jose's birthday 🤔" and got what i wished for a few months later NFJFJFN. september 24th. one of the best days of the year. oooh and he's a libra!!! i don't know if libras are compatible with capricorns but idc!!! i love him no matter what the star signs might say or whatever!!!

brooo he is so hot like njfjfjjfn 😖😖😖 who gave him the permission to be naturally good looking!!! LOOK AT HIM

HGRGGGGRGRGGR AAAA SIR LEMME KISS YOU!!! IF YOU'RE GONNA PURSE YOUR LIPS LIKE THAT THEN AT LEAST LET ME KISS YOU JRJFITIIGJJ

every time i visit his album, i feel so embarrassed. i literally have a whole album dedicated to one attractive man. if my family were to see what's inside, i would never recover BFJFJFJFJ.

he is DEFINITELY my ultimate main f/o. i got two new f/o's in the middle of my jose brainrot and still came back in love as ever!!!! i'll never get tired of this bastard. 🥺🥺💗💕

[thegreatpikminzx789]

Yggdrasil’s Nexus: Prologue (Chapter 5) - Etrian Odyssey Nexus Fanfiction

Wattpad|Fanfiction.Net (Will upload later)|Ao3

Summary: Korey meets someone who desperately wants to join his guild. But even reuniting with the Lux Guild doesn’t shake off the taunting memory that remains to shackle the answer on how he disappeared... Perhaps revisiting a Medic from Lagaard will get him somewhere...

Previous Chapter|Next Chapter

AN: I apologize if future chapters come a bit later than usual, I’m afraid my highest priority is artwork for Artfight. But I’ll do my best to continue working on this when I find the time.

Azure, Axel, and mentions of the Angelward Guild, Isiah, and Lynus (c) @theshatteredrose​

"Korey, are you okay?!" Shirota asked as she ran over to him before looking at the person who fell on top of him. Korey quickly recovered from the fall, his eyes also looking towards the person on top of him. She seemed to be that of a Monk class, but she held an overheated Drive Blade in her hands.

About the weirdest sense of deja vu Korey ever felt. The same thing happened in Iorys with Keiko, and only several years later, the same situation crept back to him. Jacinda rushed over to help the black haired twin tail girl up.

"Ma'am, are you alright?" Jacinda inquired, looking over her to see if there were any injuries. "O-Of course I'm alright!" The girl replied, seeming to brush off Jacinda's question in a sassy manner. Logre, however, was surprised to see a child like her wield a weapon that they created in the first place.

Logre turned to Baldur, pointing out the weapon in the girl's hand. Baldur let out a silent gasp before approaching the child. "Hey, where'd you get your hands on a Drive Blade?" He asked, as the girl cooled down the Drive Blade and placing it on her back before crossing her arms.

"Like I'm telling any of you strangers about it!" She barked, causing Baldur to flinch a bit. Wasn't expecting that reaction from a child.

"Rita!" A woman's voice called out, as the group's attention was focused on a woman who wore a blue cape, black hair, and purple eyes, rushing towards the child before taking deep breaths due to running quite the distance. After catching her breath, she placed her hands on her hips, looking at the Monk girl she called Rita.

"I was worried sick about you. You could've hurt someone with an overheated Drive Blade!" She exclaimed, exhaustion still quite hesitant on her face as she panted a few times as she talked.

"Oh quiet, you." Rita dismissed. "If my parents were still around, they'd have taught me a bit more than how to simply wield it! But no, I gotta learn all by myself!"

Korey blinked upon hearing what he heard. It's hard to tell whether this girl had Imperials as her parents or not, because they would've fled long before the events of Baldur's plans to restore the land with the Yggdrasil Titan... In fact, it could be a case of subclassing into an Imperial, since there was an extreme lacking of evidence that this girl's parents were around the Maginia. Nevertheless, it was quite hard for the Highlander to come to a solid answer.

"If that's the case, then where are your parents?" Akhos asked, wanting a solid answer.

"Not that I'm telling a bunch of strangers that!" Rita retorted, huffing as she looked away from the guild entirely.

The caped woman could only sigh as she looked to the guild before her, bowing as she spoke. "I'm sorry for her behavior, she's been like this ever since I adopted her back in Armoroad."

Adopted? At the very least it's not like Ayako where he'd call everyone he met his son or daughter and whatnot. Didn't want an Ayako 2.0 in his presence.

The woman stood straight after her apology. "Have any of you seen a Highlander named Korey? I have something important I want to discuss with him about."

"...I'm right here." Korey spoke up, after silently questioning how she was able to miss her standing behind Rita.

The black haired woman gasped as she quickly bowed again in apology. "O-Oh, my apologies, I didn't see you there! M-My name's Miriam, and this is Rita, my adopted child."

"It's nice to meet you two." Korey responded, as a relaxed smile came to his face. "This is Hilda, my wife, Simon Yorke, Frederica Irving, Baldur..." Korey continued on and on, introducing the members of the Refulgent and Lux Guild, as well as Hibiki, Yukina, and Lola, who were in two separate guilds.

"It's nice to meet you all." Miriam spoke, seeming to have calmed down from the running she had done. "Now, Korey, I wish to join your guild!"

Korey was taken aback by what Miriam said. He had only taken a few steps into the Maginia, and only now is he being asked by someone to join his guild. Talk about a new record...

"Whoa, take it easy, girl! From what I've heard, the Explorer's Guild hasn't even opened yet! A bit too soon to join a guild, isn't it?" Saral exclaimed, completely ruining Miriam's excitement as she sighed.

"I know... But I just wanted to seal my position for a guild member for a long time! I've heard many tales about the work Korey's guilds have done for the towns he visited." Miriam began, as Korey began to hide his blushing cheeks in embarrassment.

"It seems like someone's got a big fan over here~" Akhos hummed, only to get a glare from Kibagami.

"How long have you heard about Korey's great deeds?" Elma inquired, curious about when Miriam became such a fan of Korey.

Miriam took a couple of seconds to think about the first time she heard of Korey. "...Ever since I heard he stopped Etria from being destroyed by some mysterious ruins' weapon system, if I recall correctly." She answered.

"From Gladsheim..." Ricky murmured, almost recalling if M.I.K.E was getting better ever since their fight. As her only friend that survived one thousand years, she had hoped that saving M.I.K.E in the end was worth the trouble...

"Saving people whenever possible, the journey of all of his guild members, and so much more... I always wanted to be a part of it since that day! Please let me and Rita join your guild!" Miriam pleaded, getting closer to Korey before he stopped her from coming any closer.

"Calm down, Miriam..." Korey began, sighing as he took a bit to find the right words in his head to speak. "Look, I understand your request, but right now, we can't recruit anyone until the Explorer's Guild is open. Besides, I have a bunch of guild members to catch up with. It won't be easy trying to get caught up with the rest of them if I have someone constantly pestering me with a request to join."

Miriam felt like kicking herself after that. She was quite naive in nature, but apparently she took her nativity one step further. She lets out a sigh.

"I understand... Until it's open, is it alright if me and Rita come along? I'd hate for her to leave my sight again." The heroine asked, as Korey felt the attention of his guild members once more.

"As much I hate to crowd the road, two more people doesn't hurt." Korey sighed. "We're heading to Vivian's Inn, as that's where some of my guilds have gathered." He continued, as Miriam nodded in response.

With the conversation coming to a close, Simon walked in front of the group. "Then allow me to lead the way." He spoke, motioning for everyone to follow him, with Miriam and Rita beside him.

Korey took occasional glances to look around, seeing many explorers converse. He was mostly trying to find his friends from High Lagaard and his Armoroad Guild. Though being new to the Maginia, he'd be quite lost in an instant.

Though the only other thing on his mind was how he vanished from Iorys... It didn't help that ever since he thought about it, he couldn't keep his mind off of it. Perhaps he needed someone to talk to about it. Of course, the first person he could think of was Lynus.

Ever since Fafnir introduced him to Lynus, he had been coming to see Lynus often because he couldn't find it in himself to recall most of his memory. And although Lynus tried many times, they always found themselves two steps back than a step forward. Perhaps now that he's recovered his memory as best as it can be, perhaps now would be a good time to tell Lynus the news.

It had been a few years since they last met, but Korey could tell in his heart that Lynus had been through some things since he left. Perhaps it was thanks to the bonds he made with him that Korey was able to sense things from far away, recently... Though it would be difficult to explain that to the others.

A couple of minutes later, they arrived at the inn, entering into it as many members of the Refulgent Guild looked around. "Mmmm..." A girl's mumbling caught the attention of some of the guild members, looking at the front desk to see a woman with a cat on her head.

"Welcome... to my inn..." She spoke, her face seeming rather tired.

Korey couldn't help but tilt his head. "...Is she normally this tired? And what's with the cat?"

"Mrrroooowwww..." The cat began to purr, before scratching Vivian's face that surprised the Refulgent guild members and Korey.

The woman yells, as she hastily stood up. "Waaaaaa, okaaaay, okaaaay, stop it, I'm awake!"

Almost as if on auto pilot, the cat seemed to obey the woman's words and quickly settled back into a bored expression. Logre blinked a couple of times before scratching his head. That was certainly a surprise change from all of the inns Korey had been to.

"I'm Vivian, and this up here is Mr. Merlin." Vivian introduced herself, along with the cat on top of her head. Korey couldn't help but chuckle at 'Mr. Merlin'.

"If you need anything, feel free to talk to me..." Vivian continued, before slowly sitting down and resuming her nap. She seemed to lack the enthusiasm unlike Jenetta, and even then, Korey seemed to enjoy Jenetta's presence on a few occasions.

"Well, look who's back!" Korey turned to a familiar voice, seeing a guy whose skin was completely red, had white hair, golden gauntlets, and a large, red horn on his head. Korey walked up to him, surprised to see him in a long time.

"Nio... You're here, too?" Korey asked, only to flinch from the big guy slapping his shoulder.

"Of course I am! You think I'd stay behind in Iorys with nothing to do? You'd have to be crazy to think otherwise! Gwahahaha!" Nio laughed as Korey rubbed his shoulder.

Kurita and her siblings were quite shocked to see Nio, given they weren't used to seeing something like him. He wasn't a Vessel, nor a Sentinel... "Korey, who is he?" Jayla asked the Highlander.

Before Korey could explain, Nio intervened. "I'm Nio, part of the Oni race that lived in Iorys' Yggdrasil!" The man introduced himself to the new faces in the inn.

"Interesting..." Silvius murmured to himself, before looking to see a white skinned Necromancer approach Korey.

"Revlis!" Korey ran up to the Necromancer, giving him a hug as he returned the hug. "Korey's back..." Revlis beamed, as Hilda approached them.

"Hope we're not interrupting a reunion of our guild leader." Another familiar voice spoke up, as Korey separated from the hug to see the rest of his Lux guild members. Korey was just excited to see his fellow guild members, evident by his smiling face. Altum, the person that spoke up, smiled in return.

"Korey, who are these people?" Wiglaf spoke up, snapping Korey back to reality. "Oh, I suppose introductions are in order." He said, as Keiko, Misaki, Kyo, Demetria, Beta, Hilda, Ion, and Ayako joined up along with the other members of the Lux Guild.

"Members of the Refulgent Guild, this is my very first Guild, the Lux Guild." Korey began. "As you know, this is my wife, Hilda. She and I had our ups and downs throughout our journey through Iorys' Yggdrasil, but we support each other through thick and thin." Hilda's cheeks turned dark blue, as she smiled at him.

"It wasn't easy, but Korey taught me a lot. He means everything to me." Hilda affirmed, holding his hand. Some of the guild members let out an 'aw' after hearing Hilda say that. Korey continued on to the next two people.

"The name's Altum, and this is my wife, Amare." Altum spoke motioning to the small Necromancer girl next to him, as Amare bowed down like a princess before standing up again. "A pleasure to meet you all." She greeted, seeming to be rather happy to meet these people.

A small person with pointed ears, black hair, and red eyes and glasses spoke up next. "I'm Bortos, the Botanist of the Lux Guild. If you need anyone to note down anything related to flowers, I'm your Brouni!"

Another Brouni, this time with brown skin, purple eyes and red hair, decided to speak up as well. "I-I'm Lydia, former guild member of the Dazard guild, and Hilda's best friend." She spoke, motioning for Revlis to speak next.

"The name's Revlis. Former Dazard guild member." Revlis spoke, not wanting to go into a lot of detail.

A Therian with purple hair floated in the air, deciding it was her turn to speak up. "I'm Shizuka, a Therian Necromancer."

"Therian Necromancer...?" Baldur raised an eyebrow, surprised how a different species can be a class of another kind. He looked at Korey for some sort of answer.

"Long story short, our races can learn another races' class if necessary to explore our Yggdrasil." The Highlander explained. "I myself, used to be a Fencer, dodging attacks and striking back in return. But here I am now, a Highlander with only a sword to remember his original class by..."

Korey took a few seconds to recollect himself, feeling Hilda's hand around his as a reminder that she was here in case he needed to talk to her. "Anyways, next up is Hiroki and Takara, the Dragoons of our guild. Takara was the leader of Charon's mercenary group, but has stepped down after a certain incident around the 3rd Stratum." He continued, as the black haired Dragoon woman looked up after hearing her name.

"Hiroki, on the other hand, was a victim to a cursed shield that was lying around in the 3rd Stratum. With help from Amare and the Angelward Guild's help, he's now free from the curse, but he's left rather frail as a result..." Korey explained, soon trailing off to his thoughts.

Hilda noticed Korey's change immediately. "Korey, are you alright?" She inquired, worried about him.

After a while, Korey spoke up. "S-Sorry, can we go outside for a moment, Hilda?"

She nodded, and headed outside, as Simon seemed to follow suit, despite not being asked to come along. The guild members from both the Lux and Refulgent guild were left to introduce themselves among each other, as Hilda closed the door after Simon followed them outside the inn.

"It's unusual for you to suddenly trail off like that, Korey. You seemed quite excited to be back with your former guild members." Simon began, as Korey placed his hands on the railing.

"You know," Korey began, turning to Simon. "You're starting to sound like Lynus."

Hilda, while confused on who Lynus is, saw Simon grow a smile on his face, whether or not the Highlander was joking. "I guess his kindness must be rubbing off on me, then. Why don't we discuss what's on your mind with him?"

"I suppose that'll suffice... I wouldn't want to worry anybody else about what I'm thinking..." Korey answered, despite Hilda's increasing worry for him.

The long haired Highlander looked towards Hilda, as if sensing her worry. "A-Are you sure it'll be okay for me to remain looking like this?" Hilda asked, not wanting other people to think of her differently, or for anyone to get the wrong idea.

"Hilda," Korey sighed, grasping her hand. "It'll be fine. Lynus is a gentle Medic, and I know his guild members. There's no need to worry about being targeted just for being the last of your kind..."

Although reassuring as his words were, she still had some uneasiness about her. Hilda held Korey close to her, as he placed an arm around her. "So, where is Lynus?" Korey asked Simon.

"Follow me. I know where his guild house is." He beamed, starting to walk down the stairs.

...Lynus has a guild house, now? Korey thought for a moment on how surprising that was, before following Simon to their destination. Someone must have went out of their way to give Lynus a place where he can be around his guild members without the worry of being at an inn.

Although Hilda was close to him, neither her or Korey could shake off their ease for what the other's feeling. For Hilda, coming out like this to some other explorers that may target her for being different was scary. On top of something bothering Korey, she wasn't sure how to handle both situations at once. Even when Korey reassured her it will be alright, it did little to help ease her fear.

Some time later, they come across a huge house, easily capable of fitting a ton of explorers, almost akin to the Crescentia Korey and the Lux Guild occasionally visited. "This is the place Lynus is residing at?" Korey inquired, rather curious as to who gave him this guild house.

"Yep. This is it alright." Simon replied simply, as he walked on in, allowing Korey and Hilda to enter. Looking around, it seemed to be a bit fancier than the Crescentia. Guess when you got a bigger city, you can get away with looking more fancy and be expensive as hell...

"S-Simon?" A voice called out, as the three guests looked to see a Medic whose eyes were like azure, along with a light blue bag approach Simon.

"Greetings, Azure. Is Lynus around, by any chance?" Simon greeted, followed by asking him a question.

"H-He's currently in his room, Simon." Azure replied, looking over to Korey and Hilda, hiding in front of Simon upon seeing Hilda, occasionally looking around Simon to see if she'll do anything.

Simon was taken aback by Azure's action. "What's wrong?" He asked, concern filled in his voice.

"T-That girl doesn't l-look well..." Azure stuttered, as Hilda raised an eyebrow at him.

Separating himself from Korey, she looked where Azure is at. "I'm just fine, what're you going on about?" She asked, confused about not looking well.

Hearing footsteps approach them, Korey, Hilda, Simon, and Azure looked up to see a Landsknecht with red hair. "Axel!" Korey spoke, catching the Landsknecht's attention.

"Korey?" Axel asked in surprise, when Azure ran from Simon to hide right behind Axel, almost catching him off guard.

Axel sighs as he turns to Azure. "Azure, what's wrong?" He asked, as Azure pointed towards Hilda. "S-She's..." Azure began, unable to comprehend the rest of his sentence as Axel looked towards Hilda, who stood near Korey out of worry.

"I think he was caught off by Hilda's appearance..." Simon began, as Axel approached them, with Azure right behind him. Hilda placed her hand on her arm, fearing that she had already done something wrong.

"Hilda, huh? You're Korey's wife?" Axel inquired, intrigued by her appearance. Hilda could only give a nod in response.

Axel could only smile as he held out his hand. "The name's Axel. I'm Lynus' husband. Pleased to meet you."

Hilda, though still taking caution of things, shook Axel's hand. "N-Nice to meet you too." She stuttered a bit, as Azure seemed confused.

The landsknecht turned to Korey and patted his shoulder. "Well, you seemed to have succeeded in your goal of reuniting with your family." He congratulated the brown haired Highlander.

"W-Well, yeah, I did succeed in that..." Korey chuckled. "I apologize for Azure, he finds a lot of things intimidating, but we're doing our best to make sure he's not afraid." Axel said, still feeling Azure clinging onto him.

The landsknecht turned to face Simon next. "So, what brings you over here?"

"We're here to talk to Lynus about something, if he doesn't mind." Simon explained, adjusting his glasses a bit.

Axel shook his head. "He's currently talking to Isiah, who he's been pen-pals with over the last two years. We just got a new guild under our roof, so I don't think he'll be available for a while." The landsknecht explained.

"Though, if you want, I can give you a tour of the guild house and what we plan to do once we reach Lemuria." Axel added, catching Korey and Hilda's attention before turning to reassure Azure that Korey and Hilda are nice people.

It seemed clear from their faces that they were curious about the layout of the guild house, but also from the mention of Lemuria. Of course, having said that, knowing where Lynus' work space would make it easier for him to find him in the event that he needed him to talk to... Maybe even to send a few guild members to if he wasn't sure Simon, Anai, or Jacinda weren't enough.

Though Korey's bigger question was where Lemuria was. He wasn't made aware of the name, only that it was an island of sort. A place like that could only have so many treasures hidden within.

"...Sure. Show us around, Axel." Korey spoke up.

"Come along." Axel spoke, as he led the trio with Azure by his side.

[hakuyamazakisensei]

The Rescue

This is chapter one of a two or three chapter story...its is a ‘what-if’ from the scene where Mink kidnaps Aoba. What if Koujaku actually acted on Clear’s insistent call about Aoba being missing? Let’s find out! Happy Birthday, @flower-dragon!! I hope you like this. <3 Thank you @kondo-hijikata and @eheartangel for beta reading!

Koujaku looks at his coil in confusion when the call comes in. It isn’t a number that he recognizes and he considers not even answering, but thinking it might be a dissatisfied customer quickly makes him change his mind. Hitting the receive-call button, he answers with a terse “Hello?” and then holds the phone away from his ear as a breathless, erratic voice spills into the air.

“Master is far away and might be in trouble so we need to go save him right now!!!!”

“Whoa, slow down! Who the hell is this?”

“Aaaaah! Sumimasen, Koujaku-san! It’s me, Clear! Master is missing!”

“Do you mean Aoba? What do you mean, missing? He’s probably at home in bed.” Koujaku is ready to hang up. How on earth did this weirdo get his number, anyway?

“Noooo,” Clear whines on the other end. “He’s far away! I can barely hear him!!”

“You’re crazy. If he’s so far away, you wouldn’t be able to hear him at all! Just...go to bed and you’ll see that Aoba is fine in the morning. And stop calling him ‘master’. It’s fucking weird.”

He hangs up and tries to get back into the show he’s watching, but it’s impossible. He’s pretty certain that everything is fine, but a little niggle of doubt is beginning to grow. What if Aoba is in trouble? Whipping out his coil once again, he punches in Aoba’s number, just to be on the safe side. It rings several times, but there’s no answer. He hangs up and tries Tae-san’s number with the same result. The worry grows, and he waits for a few minutes before trying again.

When he still receives no response from either phone, Koujaku licks his suddenly dry lips, and considers his options. He could follow his own advice and just wait until morning, knowing that Aoba is probably only sleeping. But then, why didn’t Tae-san answer her phone? Were they both sound sleepers? Somehow, he doubted that. It would be no trouble to take a quick trip over there, make sure everything’s okay.

Once the thought enters his head, Koujaku knows that’s what he’s going to do. There’s no use trying to deny that he’s more than a little worried. He quickly dons his kimono and sword, grabs his coil and heads out the door. He doesn’t run, though he wants to, but he gets there much more quickly than usual, his steps hurried and his agitation growing with each block that takes him closer. When he rounds the last corner, he’s surprised to see that Aoba’s house is dark—not a single light is on. And the door is standing ajar.

Stopping just short of the small porch, Koujaku tries to call Aoba one more time. Still no answer and he can’t hear it beeping from inside the house. He tries Tae-san’s number—no response, no ringing. Making up his mind, Koujaku steps forward cautiously, just as a cry from above makes him jerk his head upward.

“Koujaku-san!!!!”

“What the fuck?!” Koujaku shouts as he dives to the left, just as Clear lands face first on the ground next to him.

“Koujaku-san, you came! I knew you would. Master isn’t here. We have to find him!” Clear says, jumping to his feet unharmed and flailing his arms wildly.

“Why the hell are you just...falling from the sky? How is that normal?” Koujaku asks as he dusts himself off.

“That isn’t important! We must find Master! He’s gone!”

Koujaku heaves a weary sigh and then turns to face Aoba’s door once again. “I’m going to check out his house first. He might just be...sleeping,” he says, trying to convince himself along with Clear.

“No! He’s far away! I can barely hear him!” Clear was becoming frantic.

“You’re crazy! How can you hear him if he isn’t here? Just...back up and let me check things out, will you?”

Clear falls silent, though he bounces on his toes impatiently. When Koujaku enters the dark house, Clear is on his heels, peering over his shoulder.

“He’s not here,” he whispers, earning a sharp glare from Koujaku.

Creeping forward, Koujaku presses a button on his coil, filling the room with a faint light. He stops in his tracks, taking in the scene. Furniture is knocked askew and glass is broken all over the floor of the living area. Progressing into the room slowly, Koujaku nearly trips over a body he hadn’t been able to see in the dark. Clad in black, it was hidden in the shadows halfway under the stairs.

“What the...” he whispers, kneeling down to check for a pulse. “He’s alive, but who the hell is this?” Taking a closer look, he mumbles—more to himself than to Clear—“Is this...a Dry Juice member?” Another body lies a few feet away, in the same state as the other—unconscious but breathing.

Light suddenly floods the room and both Koujaku and Clear jump before turning to see who’s flipped the switch.

“You!” Koujaku snarls, rising to his feet and facing the newcomer.

“Noiz-san!” Clear calls out, waving from behind Koujaku.

“Idiots,” Noiz mutters as he strolls lazily into the room. He takes in the scene and snorts. “Lose your temper, old man?” he asks Koujaku with a smirk.

“What the hell are you doing here?” Koujaku counters, balling his hands into fists, ignoring the younger man’s question.

“Same thing you are.”

“And that is?” Koujaku moves to step in front of Noiz.

Noiz pushes past him to get a better look at the men on the floor, not bothering to answer his question.

“Master is missing,” Clear pipes up, shooting his hand in the air. “Will you help find him, Noiz-san?”

Noiz lets his gaze move toward the gas mask, his brow arched. “Missing?”

“Yes! He is far away and in trouble!”

“How do you know he’s in trouble?” Koujaku asks with exasperation. “You’re only guessing.”

“Seems he guessed right,” Noiz said, looking pointedly at the mess in the room.

Koujaku growls in frustration, not wanting to admit that either one of the men with him might be correct. Pivoting on his heel, he moves to the stairs, taking them two at a time until he reaches the second-floor landing. Turning to the left, he hurries to Aoba’s bedroom, opening the door a small crack and calling out to his friend. Receiving no answer, he feels along the wall and turns on the light.

The bed is made, everything looks to be in order, and Koujaku can’t see anything that might be missing other than Aoba himself, and his AllMate, Ren.  Backing out of the room, he hears a commotion down below and quickly shuts the bedroom door before heading back to the living area.

“Wait Noiz-san!!” he hears Clear say as he reaches the last step.

“Don’t touch me,” Noiz’s impassive voice carries into the hall.

“AAAH! Sumimasen, Noiz-san. But I want to go too! Take me with you!”

Koujaku’s jaw tightens as he tries to rein in the anger he feels rising. He might be able to handle one of these morons at a time, but what did he do to deserve both of them? He didn’t have time for this shit. He had to locate Aoba.

“What’s going on in here? Be more respectful of somebody else’s home!” he tells them as he marches into the room. He spots Noiz by the couch with Clear’s hand wrapped firmly around his wrist.

“Please, Noiz-san. I want to help!”

“I don’t need help. Let go.” Noiz shakes his arm and Clear reluctantly releases him.

“What are you doing?” Koujaku asks, his eyes narrowing. “It’s not like you give a shit about Aoba.”

“Jealous?” Noiz asks, an insufferable smirk tugging at his lips.

Koujaku scoffs and runs a hand through his hair. “Unlike you, I’m worried about the family that lives here. Since you aren’t, why don’t you just get the fuck out?”

Noiz grins and shrugs before moving toward the door. Clear, upset and not knowing what to do, looks from one man to the other while wringing his hands. He takes a step toward Noiz, stops, and then takes another step.

“Waaaa! What should I do?” he cries out.

“Go with the bean sprout,” Koujaku says, pointing toward the door, just as Noiz replies, “Stay with the old man.”

Clear purses his lips and shakes his head. “That’s mean! I want to help find Master, too. I don’t know if I want to be friends with mean people.”

“I told you to quit calling Aoba that! Fuck, you’re so weird! And who the hell said anything about being friends?”

Noiz snorts and comments, “Look who’s talking. You’re more weird than he is.” He pulls a small cube from the loop at his waist and holds it close to his face. “Locate AllMate Ren, dog type, owner Aoba Seragaki.”

Two pairs of eyes focus on Noiz as he speaks, one full of curiosity, the other with animosity. As the small cube begins to spout information, Koujaku makes a move toward its owner, who ducks out of reach and opens the door.

“Stop right there you little shit!” Koujaku shouts as Noiz trots down the front steps and onto the sidewalk. “How can you track Ren? Did you tag him?!”

Noiz snorts with derision. “AllMates have internal tags. Any of them can be tracked if you have half a brain.”

A gasp from behind Koujaku has him whirling to face the man in the gas mask. “What?!” he demands of Clear.

“We can find Master! All we have to do is follow Noiz-san!”

Noiz cuts his eyes to Clear, his expression unreadable. Koujaku grunts in dissatisfaction. “Like I would trust either one of you,” he mutters.

“Waaaaaa?!” Clear cries out. “I am very trustworthy!”

“I’m out of here,” Noiz says, continuing down the sidewalk. Clear looks to Koujaku, who is frowning as he stands rooted to the spot, and then turns to follow Noiz.

Koujaku watches them leave, his mind swirling with indecision. Should he follow? Should he head out on his own? It infuriated him to know that the kid—Noiz—had found a way to track Aoba. Was the boy lying? Could anybody locate a person through their AllMate? He felt in his pocket for his own AllMate and lifted it up. Brushing a finger across the small bird’s head, he waited for the familiar voice to chirp before asking it that very question.

Beni cocks a head to the side and makes a few whirring noises as it searches for the answer. Finally, he speaks. “The little brat tells the truth. I’m not happy about this. I’ve been infested!”

“Can you track Aoba, too?”

“Afraid not. I would need a code. I can only do what I’ve been programmed to do.”

“Shit,” Koujaku mutters as he rubs his neck. “Alright, fine. I’ll believe the bean sprout. Let’s go.” He waits for Beni to fly off in the direction that Noiz and Clear went, and then he follows.

***

Koujaku keeps his distance and watches the two troublesome men in front of him. Noiz walks with his nose in his screens, not even bothering to watch his step, while Clear bounces around him, chattering like a rabid squirrel. Koujaku refuses to interact, instead focusing on where they’re going. He soon begins to realize that they’re heading directly for the North district, a place condemned by the so-called police of Midorijima—a ghost-town.

Suspicions rising, Koujaku slows his step. There is only one thing he knows about the North District, other than its off-limits status, and that is that it is said to be the home-base of a Rib team completely made up of criminals and ex-cons, Scratch. Koujaku has not had any dealings with Scratch, but he’s heard about them. They don’t play by the rules. Their leader would just as soon kill you as look at you, from what rumors say. A sinking feeling fills Koujaku’s stomach and he calls out to the other men.

Clear stops immediately and grabs Noiz by the arm. When Koujaku catches up to them, the silver-riddled boy asks point blank what the hold-up is, his expression in no way showing the vexation Koujaku hears in his voice.

“This is Scratch territory,” he tells them in hushed tones.

“Yeah, so?”

“Soooo...it means we need to be careful. There are only three of us, and only one I trust in a fight,” Koujaku seethes.

“Is it me?” Clear asks, raising his hand.

Noiz rolls his eyes, but sits down and brings out his coil. Tapping a few buttons, he brings up a holographic map of the area, and Clear begins to point out specific areas he’s familiar with.

“How do you know so much about the North District?” Koujaku asks, suspiciously.

“Ahh, I used to live near here!” Clear explains. “Just up that way are some very mean dogs, by the way. I wouldn’t go that way if I were you.”

“We’re about to take on the whole of Scratch, and you’re worried about a couple of dogs?” Koujaku asks.

“Shut up,” Noiz pipes up, his brow furrowing as he tries to concentrate on his task. “There’s a lot of interference here, but I am picking up quite a few AllMates in the area.”

“Damn it! Could Scratch have taken Aoba? But why? Aoba isn’t into Ribsteez. He’s not even into Rhyme.” Koujaku paces in front of the two men, lost in thought. Finally, he brings his coil out and makes a call. “Kou, I need the team. Aoba might be in serious trouble. Contact Mizuki, see if he’s willing to help out.” He waits for a response before turning back to Noiz and Clear. “We’ll wait for my team to show up, and then we move in. Can you pinpoint where all the AllMates are at?”

Noiz scoffs, but nods. “Easy enough, but who made you the boss? Why should I listen to you?”

“Look, I don’t care if you listen or not. Go get yourself killed. But if you want to help Aoba, you might want to stop and think before you just go in with fists swinging. Scratch doesn’t play nice. They have no problem playing dirty.”

“You think that scares me?” Noiz asks, but remains seated. “I’ll wait, but only because I want to.”

“No fighting please!” Clear says, settling down next to Noiz. “Koujaku-san, do you think Master is okay?”

“Of course he is!!!” Koujaku shouts, knowing instantly that he’s overreacting, but not caring.

“Tch,” Noiz mutters, closing his eyes. “You’re too loud.”

“You have delicate ears or something?” Koujaku retorts, pacing back and forth as his patience runs out. “Come on, Mizuki,” he mutters, looking down at his coil and tapping his foot.

What seems like hours later, the first of the two Rib teams begins to drift in, and Noiz looks at them with mocking eyes.

“You don’t think this “Scratch” is going to notice two whole teams of idiots moving into their territory, dumbass?” he asks Koujaku flatly.

“If you aren’t going to be helpful, just keep your fucking trap shut?” Koujaku told him, at the same time turning to the arriving men with a hurried motion. “Try not to be so...conspicuous!”

All the men stop and look at each other in confusion but Noiz cuts through their chatter with a curt, “You’ve been discovered!”

“What?! Fuck! Get ready, boys! Here they come!” Koujaku shouts and he crouches into a fighting position.

[elliotthezubat]

DEATH CITY DAYS CHAPTER 101

more dead apple stuff and others

 ango: .....

*footsteps*

murakoso: um...ango-

*Chuuya emerges from the shadows, glaring*

ango: chuuya. i suppose you know why i called you here?

Chuuya: "You have to be pretty desperate to call in this debt."

ango: indeed. perhaps it's our folly for allowing shibusawa to live.

Chuuya: "You think? If it wasn't for you and that bastard, they wouldn't be dead!"

ango: .....we thought that by bringing shibusawa in, we could prevent an ability user war amongst the gangs of death city, and possibly beyond, but we didnt expect-

Chuuya: "That your precious tool Shibusawa would kill 6 of my people at Dragon's Head?! That Shibusawa would go on to kill all these ability users, you sick fuck?!"

ango: we were trying to do what we thought was best for death city-

Chuuya: "They're dead!" *slams his fist into Ango's jaw*

ango: GRK-

murakoso: ANGO! *draws sword from it's holster*

Chuuya: "The Sheep. Six at Dragon's Head. Rain...This mess that Shibusawa created allowed Mori to escape...with my daughter!" *slams his foot into Ango's side*

ango: NGH-

murakoso: *aims sword at chuuya's neck* beating ango up isnt going to make it any better!

takeuchi: worst case scenario, we can try and locate mori and your child.

Chuuya: *glares at them all* "...How?"

takeuchi: this is the special abilities department, and mori _is_ an ability user, we can locate him and bring your daughter back.

ango: please. if you help us, we'll do anything you ask of us.

Chuuya: "...Anything?"

ango: yes, if not for our sakes, then for the sake of the city, and your child.

Chuuya: "...If it wasn't for Sonia...this city could burn for all I care..."

ango: .....

Chuuya: *holds up fingers, counting down* "First, you will pardon all crimes, alleged and otherwise, by the members of the Port Mafia."

ango:.....very well.

Chuuya: "And second...You get Sonia back safely."

ango:....it will be done.

Chuuya: "Then get me to where Shibusawa is."

-elsewhere-

Dazai: *looks at the crystals* "..."

Fyodor: "All according to your plan."

Dazai: “Yes...So, why did you go along with me on this?”

Fyodor: “In the end, I want a world without Abilities.” *grins* “That doesn’t mean I don’t want an entertaining interlude first.” *holds out two crystals* "One brings all visible Ability users to one location. The other crystallizes Abilities."

Dazai: *pauses* "..." *touches both*

-FWOOOOM-

-a vortex forms in the center of the room, sucking up all the crystals in the process-

Dazai: “Now to touch this vortex, and it’ll be the end of all of this--”

-SHRK-

Dazai: "URK!" *coughs*

shibusawa: *has stabbed dazai literally in the back* didnt i tell you, mr dazai? there's nothing that surpasses my expectations~

Dazai: “But the door--”

Fyodor: *small laugh* *twirls a key on his finger*

Dazai: *trying to sigh, but in pain* *in Russian* <Typical…Heh...This is new...>

Fyodor: <Cliche, but still--entertaining.>

Dazai: *collapses, struggling to breathe*

shibusawa: in the end, there was only one target, mr dazai~

Fyodor: *smiling*

shibusawa: tell you what, i'll let you in on a little secret. that knife was laced with a slow acting poison. so now you can savor your death, like you've wanted for so long.

Dazai: *opens his mouth, but can't talk, coughing blood*

Fyodor: *slowly approaches behind Shibusawa*

Dazai: *passes out*

-something begins to appear, a clear crystal-

shibusawa: *huge grin as they reach out*

-however, the crytal joins the others in the vortex, creating a singularity-

shibusawa: !!!! WHAT?!

Fyodor: *searching through his coat* “Unfortunate. Even if you acquire Dazai’s ability, Shibusawa, it won’t help you regain what you lost: your memories.”

shibusawa: ?!?!?!? WHAT THE HELL DO YOU MEAN, DOSTOYEVSKY?!

Fyodor: “Let me jog your memory--”

*SLICE*

shibusawa: GRK- *their throat begins bleeding*

Fyodor: “--of the time when you died.” *holds up a knife*

shibusawa: *collapses* fa....ther....

{shibusawa: *a young child* ....}

{Shibusawa's Father: *reviewing notes*}

{shibusawa: ....}

{draconia member: hey, isnt that shibusawa's kid?}

{draconia member 2: yeah, the one with that ability, right?}

{draconia member 3: just a tool for daddy's work. can that thing even think for itself?}

{-that's right. for as long as i could remember, i had always been in my father's shadow. i was nothing more than a tool-}

{Shibusawa Father's: "Come here."}

{shibusawa: yes, father?}

{Shibusawa's Father: "Follow me...We have to discuss the next step in this research."}

{-of course. my father's research. my _father's_ legacy...-}

{shibusawa: .....}

{Shibusawa's Father: "You will carry on after me...Find what I have not."}

{-even after he died, i carried _his_ burden. i never truely had anything to call my own....and yet.....the feeling of death.....feels familiar...-}

-elsewhere-

atsushi: *facing a door in his mind*

odasaku: you sure you want to do this?

atsushi: (i have to.)

odasaku: ...you know once you see it, you wont be able to unsee it again.

atsushi:...(i know.....) *he opens the door*

-...-

{shibusawa: so, mr nakajima, was it? how are you feeling?}

{*tied to a chair is seven-year-old Atsushi*}

{Young!Atsushi: *paralyzed*}

{shibusawa: from whay i heard, you have quite the unusual ability. and i havent been able to obtain it like normal. curious. very curious. nothing a little shock therapy cant fix, right? ^^}

{Young!Atsushi: "N-No...Please...Stop..."}

{shibusawa: now, this may hurt quite a bit. *hits the switch*}

{Young!Atsushi: *convulses, too stunned to make any noise but a small squeak, his body twisting under the electricity*}

{-a small blue crystal begins to form-}

{shibusawa: *wide grin* yes, that's it, come on...}

{Young!Atsushi: *SCREAMS*}

{*some light shines out of Atsushi's head*}

{shibusawa: ??}

{*the tiger forms out of Atsushi--and slaps Shibusawa's hand away from the crystal*}

{shibusawa: *holding their hand, yelling out in pain* GAH! w-WHAT?!}

{*The tiger takes the crystal in its jaws--and bites down onto it*}

{shibusawa: NO!!}

{*The tiger faces Shibusawa--and brings down its claws--*}

{shibusawa: !!!!!!!!}

{*SLASH*}

shibusawa:....i......i died......

atsushi: i.........i killed them.......

shibusawa: im...dead? no...nonononono that's not possible! i returned to the castle that day! i know it!

{shibusawa: *stumbling into the castle* ......}

shibusawa: it was that day that-....that....

{lux: *freaking out* MASTER SHIBUSAWAAAAA! t-t-the witch!}

{shibusawa: ??}

{Lux: "Th-The Witch...Master..." *shaking*}

{nox: the witch...the witch has given birth.}

{shibusawa: ?! }

{-in a room, a young woman with white eyes is holding a small infant-}

{shibusawa:.........}

{woman: *looks up and smiles* look tatsuhiko, it's our daughter, miyuri.}

{miyuri: *opens her eyes and smiles at shibusawa*}

shibusawa:....ha...hahaha....so that's it.....that damn witch....she put a curse on me...

-meanwhile, in the draconia room-

Fyodor: *picks up a skull from a bowl of apples* *grins* "Now, for the finale..."

-the skull is sucked up into the singularity, causing the fog to turn red and the singularity to mutate-

-the vortex seems to pull dazai in as well-

Fyodor: "How selfish of you...Even in death, you wish to watch the city go right to hell..." *turns away, smiling*

-the vortex seems to be mutating into...a dragon?!-

Fyodor: "Had you considered, in the midst of the Dragon’s Breath, my ability never once tried to do me harm?"

-a figure appears, resembling fyodor, with a light purple tone to its coloration appears, a red crystal on it's hand and holding an apple-

Fyodor: "I am crime."

CP: i am punishment.

-the ability shatters the red crystal and returns to fyodor slowly-

Fyodor + Crime and Punishment: "And crime and punishment, are quite good friends..."

dragon: *ROOOOAR*

Fyodor: "Soon, the fog will expand and consume this world. The dragon of the fog that consumes all abilities...like a dead apple..."

-elsewhere-

miyuri: *walking along and humming* hmmmmm......are we there yet, sana? Owo

Sonia: "I'm not certain..." *looks around*

miyuri: hmmm, i remember she lived in a tall building....but i dont remember which one. ^^;

onia: "Who was this person?"

miyuri: oh right! it was a while back when miyuri got lost in the outside the first time. everything looked so big and scary, and she couldnt find tacchan anywhere.

{miyuri: *sitting in an alley in the rain, crying*}

{-but then, the nice lady found me!-}

{???: um....e-excuse me?}

[miyuri: *looks up*}

{*a young woman in a yellow sweater jacket, red hair and glasses is there*}

{rain: are you alright?}

{miyuri: uhh....WAAAAAA! MIYURI'S SCAAAARED!}

{rain: wah! i-it's alright! i-i wont hurt you! i promise!}

{miyuri: *sobbing* TACCHAN! TACCHAAAAAN!}

{rain: o-oh goodness....umm...oh! here! *hands her a cracker packet from her bag*}

{miyuri: *sniffles*....}

{rain: you can eat that.}

{miyuri:.....*tiny nom*...*hic* t-thank y-you miss nice lady...}

{rain: *smiles* please, call me rain.}

miyuri: miss rain let me stay with her for a while until tacchan found me again.

Sonia: *stunned*

miyuri: she was really nice and had yummy food. miyuri really wants to thank her for being so nice. ^^

Sonia: "You can't."

miyuri: *head tilt* miyu?

Sonia: "...Mama is dead."

miyuri: ??

Sonia: "The woman you saw...She is dead."

miyuri:........where's she sleeping?

Sonia: "...H-Hook Cemetery..."

miyuri: yay! let's go there! ^^

Sonia: "Would you stop?!"

miyuri: hm?

Sonia: "She's not asleep--she's dead! She is no longer alive! She is not coming back! She is dead! Dead means you don't come back! You're gone forever! She died! She's gone!"

miyuri:....does your mama visit you in your dreams?

Sonia: "..." *nods, her eyes stinging*

miyuri: miyuri's mommy visits her too. so they're not gone completely, right?.....do you think our mommies became friends where they are?

Sonia: "...I hope so."

miyuri: *holds sonia's hands and smiles* then they can be friends like us, sana!

Sonia: "..." *too stunned to respond...just crying*

miyuri:....sana? why's water coming out of your eyes?

-elsewhere-

-a plane is now flying to where the dragon is. the hanger door swings open as if to let something, or someone, out-

Chuuya: *stands at the door*

ango: *over earpiece* chuuya, are you sure about this? your daughter-

Chuuya: "If I don't survive...Find Sonia. Bring her back to Kouyou. If you can't...make sure she has a good home."

ango: i understand, and dazai isnt there, so-

Chuuya: "He is. I can feel it..." *holds up his fist*

ango:....

Chuuya: "And even if he isn't responsible for this mess...I have to punch him in his goddamn face."

-high heels can be heard clicking along the floor of the hangar-

tsujimura: this is insane! ability users, we're human beings, and that things a damn monster! it's suicide!

Chuuya: "I'm not about to let a little thing like fear make me run away scared. When would be the best time to back out?"

tsujimura: i dont know, when?

Chuuya: "There's never a time." *leaps out the door*

dragon: *ROOOOOOAR*

Chuuya: ("If this does kill me, at least….then I'll see you again...") “Oh grantors of dark disgrace….do not wake me again.” *his eyes widen as rocks around the Dragon start to glow*

dragon: *FIRE BREATH*

Chuuya: *dodges, flinging rocks and other debris at the Dragon*

dragon: *ROOOOOOAR*

*something is shaking the ground at the foundation of the castle*

dragon: ?!?

*is that...a building rising?*

dragon: *ROOOOOOOOOOOAR*

Chuuya: "AAAAAAAARG!" *slams the building down onto the dragon*

dragon: *mouth fulla building and trying to release a fire blast, but it's stuck inside and causes the dragon to explode*

Chuuya: "..." *starts falling...*

-in the remnants of the dragon and rubble, dazai is floating peacefully-

Chuuya: *growling *falls towards Dazai* GRAAAH!! *punches him in the face*

-the pill in dazai's mouth breaks, letting its contents release in his mouth-

Chuuya: *growls...coughs up blood*

-please......dont scare me like that anymore!-

Chuuya: "Rrrr...Ra...in......" *closes his eyes...the dark energy around him dissolves, as he regains control* *he opens his eyes, drawing Dazai down carefully with control over his gravity abilitie sand lands with Dazai...then collapses onto the ground, panting*

rain: *letting him rest his head on her lap, gently stroking his cheek* you did so well.

Chuuya: "??? Rain? How..."

-she wasnt there...-

Chuuya: "..." *cries*

???: come on, it should be this way...

Chuuya: *struggling to hear* "Wh-What..."

???: ok sana! hehe.

???: and i told you, it's _sonia_ -.-;

Chuuya: *his eyes open wide* "S-Sonia!"

sonia: ??? papa?

Chuuya: "I'm coming..." *gets up, running towards her*

Dazai: "Zzz..." *smiles lightly*

miyuri: oh, that's your papa?

sonia: yes. hi pap-

Chuuya: *tight hug*

sonia: !!!!

Chuuya: "Thank God...Thank God..."

sonia: papa? are you alright?

Chuuya: *nods* "I am...Where were you?!"

sonia: i'm sorry. it's a bit of a long story, but i was with miyuri.

miyuri:...sana....why's water coming from _my_ face now? *she's got tears in her eyes*

Chuuya: "...Sonia...Where did you find her? Where are her parents?"

miyuri: miyuri's mommy is gone, and tacchan's back at the castle.

Chuuya: " 'Tacchan'? I don't understand--"

miyuri: oh no! the castle's all broke! tacchan might be hurt!

Chuuya: *looks at the castle's remains* "..."

Dazai: *sniff* "That was so touching back there..."

Chuuya: -___-#

sonia: -.-#

miyuri: ??

Dazai: "Did I inspire you to overcome Corruption, Chuu-Chuu--"

Chuuya: *slams his fist into Dazai's face*

miyuri: OxO

Dazai: *knocked down*

Chuuya: "Do not compliment yourself. You made this mess, you piece of shit...I should've figured you can't die that easily."

miyuri: sana? who's that?

sonia: a good-for-nothing mackerel.

Dazai: *sits up, with a black eye* "My, my...Such a violent way to awaken Snow White~"

miyuri: *giggle* he doesnt look like a fishy! silly sana! ^^

Chuuya: "Go back to sleep!" *starts trying to stomp Dazai's head, but he keeps dodging*

Dazai: "Fufu~ I suppose it's good Ango approached you~"

Chuuya: "?!"

miyuri: *notices something* hey! that pin looks like miyuri's necklace and hair pin!

Dazai: "..." *looks* "..."

Chuuya: "...Dazai...Whose are those?"

miyuri: are you friends with tacchan?

Dazai: "...Just wait. This isn't over yet...It's up to Atsushi now."

Chuuya: "..." *looks at the castle*

-meanwhile-

Fyodor: *sets a crystal to the skull--*

-the skull glows and summons shibusawa, now in a somewhat more monstrous form-

shibusawa: so. i've become a lich, eh? damn that witch.

Fyodor: "Welcome back.”

???: "So, that's it. An ability user who regains their ability..."

shibusawa: oh? and who's this?

*Akutagawa steps forward*

Akutagawa: "Evidently, the support team."

shibusawa: so, you've regained your ability? i must say, i'm quite impressed.

Akutagawa: "I suppose I have you to thank for this ordeal..."

*SHNICK*

shibusawa: hmm?

*a kunai passes Shibusawa's face*

Kyoka: *steps out*

shibusawa: well, _that_ was quite rude.

-meanwhile-

ango: damn, the fog's beginning to spread outside city limits.

murakoso: we got a phone call coming in from london!

ango: oh dont tell me-

agatha: good evening, dearies~ i see you're having a tad bit of trouble~

Ango: "What do you want?"

agatha: it would be problematic if the fog spread to other parts of the globe, so i've sent reinforcements to nip it at the bud as it were. there's a plane flying over with an ability user with an incineration ability. i'm afraid the city will have to be evacuated if you wish to survive.

Ango: "Evacuate an entire city at this rate?!"

agatha: but im sure you'll find a way to do so, cheers love~ *switches off* *on phone* how's everything on your end, franny dear?

frances: quite well. the pistol comes quite in handy.

agatha: indeed. i'll be sending a teleporting ability user to collect you and bring you back.

frances: you'd go to that trouble for lil old me, aggy?

agatha: *nods* if i let you be killed, i would never forgive myself.

-elsewhere-

vita sexualis: *slashing at mori* huhuhu~ *taking on shizuka's face* i love you, rintarou~

Mori: *sneers* "Hard to believe that--seeing as you're dead and all..."

vita sexualis: *opens its mouth to bite his head off*

-SLICE-

fukuzawa: ...

Mori: "...Well, hello."

fukuzawa: *chop* you've gotten sloppy. what ever happened to the doctor mori i know and at best, tolerate?

Mori: T_T "It's been a rough patch..."

fukuzawa: so i've noticed...

*SLASH*

-KICK- *SHATTER*

fukuzawa: ...

???: jeez rintarou, i swear. you're really helpless without me.

Mori: "...Elise."

elise: *in a sailor dress with heart-shaped sunglasses* well DUH, who else _would_ it be, genius?

Mori: "..." *hug*

elise: !!! HEY! LET GO'A ME YOU OLD CREEP! DX<

Mori: "I'M SO GLAD YOU'RE BACK! AND NOT A CREEPY KILL-BOT!"

fukuzawa: *sigh* i guess some things never change.

-elsewhere-

Plague Doctor: <I just need to bleed it out of you...>

pushkin: *hiding on the roof, holding a cinderblock* (come on, just a liiiittle further now.)

Plague Doctor: <I can practically smell you...Where are you, you sick murderous monster?>

pushkin: *lets go of the cinderblock*

Plague Doctor: *looks up* <...Oh, fu-->

-CRASH-

-shatter-

pushkin: <SUCCSESS!> *victory dance*

zhanna: *over talkie* <alexsey, how's everything on your end?>

pushkin: <victory!>

-elsewhere-

10 Seconds: *TICK TICK TOCK*

katya: *hiding, gun in hand* .....

*WHOOSH*

-she's...not there?-

katya: *has slid herself up with the grappling hook* *aims her gun at the ability's face with a murderous grin on her face*

-BANG-

*HEAD-SHOT*

10 Seconds: *goes down...*

katya: hehe~

-elsewhere-

leo: .......

*A woman in a maid outfit appears*

leo: ........

Woman: <Hello.> *holds up a gun*

leo: ............you're.....

Resurrection: <Yes.> *aims the gun--at her own head* <It hurts...>

leo:.....it does.......being unable to die......

Resurrection: *crying* <It's never going to stop, is it?>

leo:.....<no....no it's not....>

Resurrection: "..." <But if you lack your ability...I could end this now.> *aims at Leo*

leo:....you could....

Resurrection: <Then...why aren't you stopping me?>

leo: ....it's strange.

Resurrection: <What is?>

leo: for so long, i've wanted to die. to be free from my loneliness and sorrow, to see my mother, father, and siblings again....but im _not_ alone. i have friends, a wonderful fiance, and small baby inside me. i finally found something to live for. *smiles*

Resurrection: "...It's not fair..."

leo:.....*hugs her* the world can be truly cruel and frightening. but i've learned it can also be so beautiful.

Resurrection: *holds onto her, as she puts the gun away* "..." *sobs and shoots the crystal off herself*

-elsewhere-

atsushi:..........

???: *soft growl*

atsushi:....i killed them.......i just wanted to live....and i killed them.....*sniff*

*the tiger walks slowly, never taking its eyes off Atsushi as it approaches*

atsushi: *not even looking* no matter where i go, you're always right there....arent you?

Tiger: "..." *sits in front of him*

atsushi: you're like a part of me, like blood, a lung, my brain....right?

Tiger: "..." *slaps a paw across his head*

atsushi:...*weak chuckle* you're more than my ability....you're my will to live....

Tiger: "..." *nuzzle*

atsushi: ....*smiles and hugs* come on, buddy. we got a job to do.

-elsewhere-

Akutagawa: *pants, wiping blood from his mouth* "Damn you..."

shibusawa: AHAHAHA! is this really the best you have?! a shadow beast and a samurai ghost?!

rashomon: *snarls*

demon snow: *blade out*

Kyoka: "And all you have is conditioned hair." *assumes battle pose with her own blade*

shibusawa: tch-, cute. now die. *charges at them*

*ROAR*

shibusawa: hn? *looks up*

*It's Atsushi, now in tiger-man form, as he swipes his claw at Shibusawa, putting some distance from them and Akutagawa and Kyoka*

shibusawa: *knocked back* well! isnt _this_ a pleasant surprise! will you really kill me again, atsushi nakajima?

Kyoka: *eyes widen*

Akutagawa: *raises an eyebrow*

Atsushi: "..." *shakes his head* "I just have to bring back a thing where it’s supposed to be.”

shibusawa: very well, GIVE IT ALL YOU'VE GOT!!

Atsushi: "..." *rushes*

Kyoka: "..." *leaps with blade* "Demon Snow!"

Akutagawa: *sends Rashomon to create a ring around them all*

shibusawa: *attacking them, slashing and blocking*

*Rashomon grows spikes, closing in on the three...*

Kyoka: "Demon Snow--slash them!"

Demon Snow: *rushes at Shibusawa from above*

shibusawa: *PUNCH*

Demon Snow: X_X *knocked back*

Kyoka: "?!"

Akutagawa: "Damn it..."

Atsushi: "...We can't do this alone..."

Demon Snow: *collapses on the floor--dissolving*

Kyoka: "Demon Snow!"

atsushi: you're doing good, kyouka. use your phone!

Kyoka: *dials* "Demon Snow... ... ...Sh-She's not appearing..."

shibusawa: *smirks*

Akutagawa: "What's wrong with you? Summon your ability--"

Kyoka: "I can't!"

atsushi: you dont _want_ to hate her, do you?

Kyoka: "..." *shudders* "What I saw..."

{mrs izumi: demon snow, please.....protect kyouka}

Kyoka: "I'm conflicted...But I know this power is mine...And I want it to protect others..."

atsushi: then im sure the demon snow you dont want to hate will respond to your feelings.

Kyoka: "..." *inhales, shivering* "..." *calls into her phone* "Demon Snow...I need you."

demon snow: ~i am here.~

Kyoka: *smiles* "Then let's stop this."

demon snow: *charges and stabs shibusawa down*

shibusawa: *laughing* YOU THINK _THAT'S_ ENOUGH TO STOP ME?!

atsushi: AKUTAGAWA, NOW!

Akutagawa: *smirks* "No." *stabs Rashomon into Shibusawa* "I think you need to suffer _more_..."

shibusawa: AHAHAHAHA! I'M ALREADY DEAD! THERE'S NOTHING YOU CAN POSSIBLY-

*a sphere forms around Shibusawa*

shibusawa: -eh?

*the only other one in the sphere is--*

Atsushi: "..."

shibusawa: *laughing* well, isnt _this_ ironic?!

Atsushi: "How so?" *flexes a tiger claw, practicing crouching with tiger legs*

shibusawa: you're trying to kill me again, and im already dead! break me all you please, it doesnt mean a goddamn thing to me!!

Atsushi: *slams his fist into Shibusawa's jaw*

shibusawa: *laughing and bleeding* oh to hell with it! to hell with it all~ nothing matters! nothing! i have nothing of my own! ALWAYS MY FATHER'S FUCKING PUPPET! IM NOT EVEN CONSIDERED A HUMAN BEING BY THEM!

Atsushi: "...Yes. I know..."

shibusawa: im dead! dead, dead, dead, dead, deeeead~! *intensly focusing, blood, dripping from their mouth, nose and eyes*

Atsushi: "..." *sighs sadly...* *rushes at Shibusawa, punching repeatedly* "Just stay down...Stop...Please..."

shibusawa: just give me your ability, then i'll have something to call 'mine'!

Atsushi: "IT'S NOT 'MY ABILITY'--IT'S ME!"

shibusawa: ah-ahaha....AHAHAHA! so that's what dazai meant.....an angel that would save me....an angel of death....the one who killed me....that's....really ironic....

Atsushi: *his fist charges with energy--his mouth grows fangs as the tiger's power overwhelms him--* "I'm so sorry..."

-the skull appears in front of shibusawa-

shibusawa: …no…..i...i cant die here again.....miyu-

*SLAM*

-shatter-

-meanwhile-

-the red gems on lux and nox's foreheads shatter-

nox: lu- *fades to dust*

Lux: "No--!"

-meanwhile-

ayla: *gem shatters as she fades to dust*

lydia: <what the hell?!>

Ivan: <?!!!!>

zoey: oh?

-elsewhere-

ango: the singularity just...it vanished!

tsujimura: the fog is receding!

murakoso: we just got an update from the clock tower, they're turning the plane around!

-cheering-

-meanwhile-

agatha: *sips tea* hm. a real shame. the smell of a burning city always goes so nicely with tea.

-elsewhere-

shibusawa: ah......im....still here?.....but how? you- *slowly fading* oh.....its not for long.....how am i still alive?

Atsushi: "I thought that perhaps there's something you wanted to live for."

shibusawa: what could i have-......*eyes widen as tears fall* ryoko.....our baby.....i....our child was born that day......perhaps....i wanted to see them....

{miyuri: tacchan! ^^}

shibusawa: *small pathetic laughter* that damn child....even with how cold i was to her. even with faked affection, even with how i rarely spent any time with her, she would still always greet me with a smile on her face....*laugh crying* i dont get it....

Atsushi: "..." *tenses his jaw*

shibusawa: if it wasnt an ability that kept me alive? then what was it?......perhaps it was sheer willpower? but why?

Atsushi: " 'Faked affection'? That doesn't sound 'fake.'"

shibusawa:.....i see......that willpower, the will to keep living......it wasnt the result of a curse, or an ability, it was something stronger. a power much stronger than any curse......it was love.

Atsushi: *clenches* *nods*

shibusawa: *laugh-crying* i'm a real damn fool, arent it? just as i finally realize that, i had something of my own; my child....my family....and now, i have no time left to spend it with her....im a real damn fuck up, huh?

miyuri: TACCHAAAAAAN! *TACKLE HUG*

shibusawa: !!!! m-miyuri!

Atsushi: "??" *looks up* "!!"

miyuri: miyuri's sorry she went out without telling you, but she wanted to thank the nice lady and-

-chuuya, and sonia arent far behind either-

shibusawa:...^^; child, child, please. settle down.

miyuri: *INHALES* okaaay. are you hurt, tacchan?

shibusawa:.....*hugs* miyuri...im afraid i cant stay long.

miyuri: what do you mean, tacchan?

shibusawa: im going to where your mother is...and im afraid i wont be able to come back.

miyuri: !!!! no! you cant go, tacchan! *clings*

shibusawa: *sad smile* i wish i didnt have to...*strokes her head* but im afraid i have no choice in the matter...

miyuri: but if you go away, then so will lux and nox and ayla, miyuri will be all alone! *sobbing* mi-miyu-miyuri doesnt wanna be alone!!!

Chuuya: "..."

shibusawa: *pats her back* it'll be ok....im truly sorry....i wasnt a better parent to you, miyuri....i just hope, you forgive me for being selfish.

miyuri: b-bu-but you arent selfish, tacchan! y-yo-you're my favoritist person in-in the whole world!

shibusawa:...i appreciate that, little one...

Dazai: "..."

Chuuya: "..." *rests a hand on Sonia's back*

miyuri: b-bu-but where will miyuri go, tacchan? *sniffle*

Chuuya: "Sonia...This child..."

sonia: if she really wont have anyone left....we can take her in.

miyuri: ?? y-y-you'd do that, sana?

sonia: *nods* we're friends, right? and friends look after each other.

Chuuya: "Of course."

shibusawa: .....would you...really be willing?

Chuuya: *nods* "Yes."

shibusawa:....then i'm happy......please....for miyuri's sake....be a better parent for her than i was.....*small kiss to miyuri's forehead*

miyuri: *sniffles*

shibusawa: it's ok now....even if you cant see me, i'll still be with you....always.

-with that, shibusawa fades to dust-

Chuuya: "..." *lowers his head*

miyuri:....*hic*...

Chuuya: ("...This one took too much from me...") *approaches Miyuri* "..."

miyuri: *hic* a-are you....n-nice?

Chuuya: *stares at her* "I...don't think it's fair for me to make that judgment myself."

sonia: it's ok, he's nice, even if he has his moments.

miyuri: *sniffle* t-that's good. m-miss rain was really nice.

Chuuya: "...What did you say?"

miyuri: oh! t-that's the lady miyuri and sana were looking for! *sniff* she had red hair and glasses and she was really nice! she fell over lots though.

Chuuya: "..." *nods*

miyuri:.....*hugs*

Chuuya: "..." *pat pat*

atsushi: ......*watching the sun rise*

Dazai: *limps over* "Hey there."

atsushi: dazai!

Dazai: *in his old suit* "Hello...I'm missing a shoe. Have you seen it?"

atsushi: .....*hug*

Dazai: "..." *blink* "..." *pat pat*

atsushi: ....crazy night, huh? Haha

Dazai: "Yes...Look, Atsushi, I was only--"

atsushi: you were trying to protect death city, right?

Dazai: "...More than a city..."

atsushi: yeah.....being able to live with everyone here.....it's really wonderful, huh?

Dazai: "Well, there are some people who aren't all bad. I could take or leave a few of them--"

atsushi:.....hey.....dazai?.....can i tell you something?

Dazai: "Oh?"

atsushi: now, i need you to promise you wont freak out on me.

Dazai: "Okay?"

atsushi: you see, it's-

*TIGER ROAR*

atsushi: FJNKDJIJIPVLNDLJIK! oh right! phone, phone! *picks up* h-hello?

Kunikida: "WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU?!"

Dazai: "..."

atsushi: >x< a-at the castle ruins by the abandoned high-rise? ^^;

Kunikida: "DID YOU DISABLE THE GPS ON YOUR PHONE?! YOU COMPLETELY DISAPPEARED ON OUR RADAR--"

???: "YOU IDIOT!"

atsushi: ??

Dazai: *turns, looks behind him* "..." *takes the phone* "Kunikida. They already found us."

*Lucy, her dress torn and scuffed...looking pissed*

atsushi: O-O l-l-lucy!!

sylvia: *peeeeeks from behind lucy* Q~Q;;;

Lucy: "WHAT DID YOU DO HERE?!"

Kyoka: "!!! Sylvia!"

Tanizaki: *limping up the debris* "Wow...Doctor! Up here! We got injured."

yosano: lovely! *cleaver out* line up everyone~ ^^

Kunikida: *yelling into the phone* "--WHAT IS THIS NONSENSE I'M HEARING THAT YOU WERE WORKING WITH THE ENEMY TO--"

Dazai: =_=;

atsushi: um....i can explain-

Lucy: "I WAS TRAPPED IN ANNE'S ROOM AND I WAS SO SCARED AND I THOUGHT I'D BE STUCK FOREVER AND NEVER SEE YOU OR ANYONE ELSE EVER AGAIN, AND HERE YOU ARE--Oh, hello, Kyoka--" *smiles* *turns back to Atsushi* "--AND YOU COULD'VE BEEN DEAD FOR ALL I KNOW, YOU STUPID, STUPID--Why is Dazai missing a shoe?"

atsushi: im sorry, things came up. if it makes you better, you can punch me in the face as hard as you want to.

Dazai: "..." ("I am so thankful Yosano can't heal me...") *smiles* "Kunikida, I'm going to turn you over to my assistant--" *shoves the phone back to Atsushi, walks past Akutagawa*

Akutagawa: "..."

Lucy: "..." *blushing, puffed cheeks* "I'M GOING TO DO MORE THAN THAT!" *grabs his arm*

atsushi: O_O *gulp*

Lucy: *pulls back an arm--then wraps it around him* "I DON'T WANT TO BE LEFT BEHIND!"

atsushi: !!!....*hugs her back*

sylvia: m-m-miiiss k-k-kyoukaaaaa! *hugs* Q~Q;;;;

Kyoka: *pat pat* "I'm so glad you're safe."

Lucy: *sniff* "I'm going to catch up..."

sylvia: it was so scary i just hid in the closet the whole time and i peeked out once and my ability was hiding in the kitchen all scared and i ended up panicking and hitting it with a frying pan.

Akutagawa: "Chuuya. We need to run before we are caught--"

Chuuya: *hand up* "I took care of it. We're no longer under threat of arrest."

Akutagawa: "??? How did you strike that kind of a deal?"

Kyoka: ^^; "Congratulations?"

sonia: papa. *holding up chuuya's hat* you almost lost this.

Chuuya: "!!!" *pats her head* "Thank you."

miyuri: *GLOMP HUG* PAPAAAAAAAA!

Chuuya: ^^; "Miyuri..."

miyuri: *spots everyone* *GAAAASP* WOOOOOOOOOOOOW! ARE THESE ALL PEOPLE FROM THE OUTSIDE?! THERE'S SOOOO MANY OF THEM!! *shiny eyes*

sonia: oh boy.

Tanizaki: ._.; "Who’s the small child?"

miyuri: *GAAAAAASP* WOOOOAH! SANA! THE SKY! THE SKY'S ALL DIFFERENT!

Lucy: *shiny eyes* "D'aw..." *grabs Atsushi in a neck hold* "DID YOU TRY TO HURT THAT CHILD?!"

sonia: that's because it's morning.

atsushi: I WOULDNT DO SOMETHING LIKE THAT ^^;

miyuri: more-ning? what's thaaaat?

Akutagawa: "...How are you going to do this?"

Chuuya: -_-;

sonia: *pap pap* it's ok papa, i'll help out with her.

Akutagawa: "...Sonia, where were you this entire time?"

sonia: it's a very long story. we'll tell you on the way home.

-meanwhile, with mori-

Mori: ^w^

elise: where the heck are we even going? -3-;

Mori: "Home, of course~"

elise: home's the other way, you dummy!

-footsteps running up-

Mori: "Hmm?" *turns around*

-KICK TO THE FACE-

Mori: *knocked down*

katya: *holding a knife to his neck* ALRIGHT YOU NABAKOV WANNABE, WHERE'S THE GIRL?!

Mori: Q_Q *points at Elise* "There?"

katya: *looks*... ._. who the FUCK are YOU?!

elise: who the fuck are YOU?

katya: i asked you first brat!

elise: well _i_ asked you second!

Mori: "This is my ability, Elise~" ^w^

katya:......<what the everloving fucking shit?>

pushkin: *pant pant* oh...thank goodness....*phew* um...wait, you arent sonia.

elise: who the hell is HE?!

zhanna: alexsey? are these two...friends of yours?

pushkin: well...you see-

zhanna: KATYA! WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO HIM?!

katya:...oh yeah, about that-

elise: he's a lolicon.

zhanna:....*dialing 911*

pushkin: OwO;;;;;

Mori: "I AM NOT A LOLICON!" >~<

zhanna: then what are you?

Mori: "The leader of the Port Mafia, Ougai Mori!"

zhanna:.....yes, i'd like to report that i've found the mafia boss, ougai mori?.....wait....what do you mean 'all port mafia crimes pardoned'?

pushkin: *gasp* YOU HEAR THAT KATI?! OUR CRIMES ARE PARDONED!

katya: FUCK YEAH!

elise: wait, these two are mafia? SINCE WHEN?!

zhanna:.........*hangs up phone*

pushkin: OwO;;;;;;

zhanna:.....aleksey.....may i have a moment with you, dear little brother~? ^^#

pushkin:....*gulp*

zhanna: *drags him into the alley*.....<THE MAFIA?! YOU JOINED THE MAFIA?!?! HAVE YOU GONE CRAZY?!>

Mori: "???" *looks at Katya* "...Wait, who are you again?"

katya: new mafia recruits. now tell us where the fuck sonia is-

Mori: "??? I have no idea?"

katya: THE HELL DO YOU MEAN YOU- *talkie buzzes* WHAT IM IN THE MIDDLE OF-....oh....wait really?.....huh.....*hangs up*....*KNEE TO THE FACE* you got off easy today.

Mori: *knocked down*

elise: you got knocked the FUCK out, rintarou!

-elsewhere-

Fyodor: *at a cafe, sipping tea*

tsujimura: *in a waitress uniform* enjoying your drink sir? ^^

Fyodor: "Very much so. I find it tastes best when you know you have only that short period when it's not too hot, not too cold."

tsujimura: would you like me to recommend our special of the day?

Fyodor: "I'm listening."

tsujimura: today's special is....*snaps fingers*

-several government officers posing as staff and customers pull out their guns, including one popping his gun out of a baby stroller-

tsujimura: you're under arrest. again.

Fyodor: "..." *smiles* *puts his hands up*

officer: you know the drill, let's go.

Fyodor: *stands, keeping his hands up* *smiles* ("All according to plan...")

-elsewhere-

higuchi:......!!!!!!!!! they're back!

leo: *patching up kajii's injuries* that's wonderful!

leroux: hello all~ ^^

hans: leroux! walter, etta, kafka! you're ok!

Motojiro: ^^;

Walter: "Yep! Guess what? I won at Smash!"

Kafka: *guiding Etta* "We need medical..." *he's bruised but healing*

george: *running back, covered in twigs and drenched* *cough cough cough*

hans: oh-oh goodness! right this way!

Gin: "??? George? Where were you?"

george: lost in the woods, wandered for a bit, got attacked by some crazy homeless kids in the woods.

Gin: "...Oh."

george: strange bunch...

sonia: *wave*

higuchi: SONIA! you're ok!

Q: ~?

Chuuya: *following*

miyuri: WOOOOOAH! WHAT A BIG HOUSE!

kouyou: ??? who's this?

Chuuya: "Everyone. This is Miyuri."

miyuri: hiiiiyaaaa! miyuri's super happy to meet everyone!! ^w^

higuchi: so i take it she's staying with us?

Chuuya: "She's staying with me. Now, let's get out of here."

higuchi: ??? chuuya, we cant exactly-

Chuuya: *hands over a piece of paper*

higuchi:..... !!!!!!!!

kouyou: my stars.....

Gin: "...H-How?"

Chuuya: "I cut a deal."

naoya: well hot damn!

Tachihara: "We get to leave here? Damn. Just when I was getting used to it..."

Motojiro: QwQ "...My teaching..."

hans: hey, you're always welcome to visit any time. our home is your home, whenever you need it.

Tachihara: "Cool. Could save on rent that way--"

sonia: *smiles*

Gin: *ear tug*

mito: *mew*

sonia: *picks her up* ^^

miyuri: WOOOOOOOOW! A KITTY!

mito: o^o mii?

Chuuya: *yawns* "Let's rest...I could use some sleep."

*footsteps*

sonia: *yaaaawn* yeah....

higuchi: !!! ryuunosuke!

Akutagawa: *waves* "Hello--"

Gin: *hug*

Akutagawa: "..." *pat pat*

higuchi: *wipes her eyes*

naoya: say, let's have a party!

Akutagawa: =_= "Okay...Could I rest first?"

naoya: by all means. *pap pap*

katya: ooooi, look what we found!

pushkin: *waves, a bit disheveled* (big sis is real scary when she's mad) TTuTT;

Akutagawa: "...!"

Mori: *waves* "Hello~"

Gin: "..." *glaring*

higuchi: -_- yaaaaaay.

katya: OI! WE WENT THROUGH A LOT OF FUCKING BULLSHIT TO FIND THIS BASTARD! AT LEAST SHOW _SOME_ ENTHUSIASM!

Akutagawa: "Yay."

higuchi: pushkin, katya, we apprecate your heard work, but, it's mori.

Mori: "Now, I need you all to get ourselves packed. We'll also need to begin repairs on the building--"

katya:....i guess. he's a fucking loser.

Mori: ^^;;;

higuchi: um, about that, you technically arent the boss again yet.

Mori: "Oh? Says who?"

hirotsu: out of bed, i see.

Mori: "Hello, good sir. Thanks for watching over things while I was indisposed."

elise: wow. lamest, welcome back party, eveeer.

Q: ELISE!

elise: Q! *HUGS*

Q: hehe! ^^ we have so much to tell you!

miura:.....if it's any comfort, _i_ was worried about you.

Mori: "I knew you would, my dear~"

miura: just 'miura' is fine, sir.

elise:....who're those guys?

Q: oh, those other people are part of 'sturm', they're cool. and that's miss leo, she's kajii's new fiancee!

elise:.....WHAT?!?! HIM?! ENGAGED?!?!

Motojiro: *waves* "Hello, Elise!"

elise: IS Q BEING SERIOUS?!?!?

leo: w-why yes.

Motojiro: "Isn't it great?"

elise: D8

leo: *rubs her stomach*

Motojiro: ^^ *snuggle*

Mori: ._.; "...Man, I was really out of it."

elise:....what....is- is she really....

Motojiro: "We're expecting!"

elise:.............NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! I MUST HAVE SLIPPED INTO SOME WEIRD ALTERNATE DIMENTIOOOOOOON AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHFEKDLHFJLDKHD!!!!!!!

leo: ._.;

Motojiro: "D'aw, she's back to normal!"

naoya:...hey kid, have a candy bar.

elise: AHHHHHHHHH- *nom*

Mori: "Where's my candy bar?"

higuchi: *puts her hand into her pocket, then pulls her hand out, flipping him off*

Mori: ._.; "...When I am back in control, I'll reprimand you for that."

higuchi: just dont forget what got you into this mess.......i guess you really _do_ take after your father.

Mori: "...I think I'll retire for a few hours. Come, Miura, Elise."

miura:...

-elsewhere-

frances: well, all's well that ends well, aggy.

agatha: *over phone* indeed.

frances: im glad none of my babies had to be burnt up! ^^

agatha: speaking of your babies, listen to your one violet a moment.

frances: *doing so*..... !!!! O/////O >////< a-a-aggy! please!

barrie: ???? jack, any idea what she's talking about?

Jack: *sipping from a flask* "I don't want to know."

-elsewhere-

ranpo: *sipping ramune* ah.......(i wonder if oguri's alright where he is....)

mii: *meow*

ranpo: oh, there ya are. *pets* guess the incident's over. *opens his safe full of snacks* cheers.

-elsewhere-

blair: wow, the hospital's sure full today, isnt it katai~? ^w^

Katai: .\\\\\. "..." *nod nod* "Th-Th-Thanks for treating me..."

blair: any time, hun~ ^^ *cheek smooch*

Katai: O\\\\\\\o "Nyaaaaaaaaaaaa..."

cervantes: ah, young love, aint it beautiful?

Katai: *not responsive*

Dumas: *grunts*

marquis: so luckyyyy~! fuwaaa~ i hope i get some intimate healing too~<3

Dumas: -_-# "Stop bothering the nurse and her patient--you'll be treated when they're ready for you, you weirdo."

twain: ayyy! marquis!

marquis: marky!

twain: *waves* you guys in the hospital too?

Steinbeck: *shifting uncomfortably* "Ah...Ah..." *struggling to walk, like a toddler*

oscar: poor ebie, dear. i hope she'll be alright. she got a lot of spider bites...

Hemingway: "I once bathed in spiders. I do not recommend it..." *bandaged all over*

emily:....how are you even alive. ._.;

Hemingway: "Perseverance. Calisthenics. Protein."

marquis: hehehe, your friends are so funny, marky!

Steinbeck: T~T "So many vines...I'm still picking out leaves..."

Dumas: -_-; *thumbing through his phone*

nurse: mr steinbeck? you have visitors.

lavinia: *staaaaare*

Steinbeck: "..." ^^; *waves*

lovecraft: we brought....flowers. *hands him an entire bush*

Steinbeck: "Lovely!!!"

lovecraft: lavinia, dont you have a present for uncle john?

lavinia:....*her eyes roll back in her head as her jaw unhinges and she coughs up a tree stump*

emily: ._____________________.

marquis: o,o

Steinbeck: "Thank you, dear." *pats Lavinia's head*

oscar: Q_Q

Dumas: "...WHAT THE ACTUAL F--"

lavinia:....i wassss.....hungryyyyy....

cervantes: how thoughtful!

Dumas: *grumbles*

-elsewhere-

stocking: alright, let's get searching.

Rin: "Right! We need to follow Shura's path. Fortunately, we got her GPS signal--"

Computer: *SIGNAL LOST*

Rin: "...OH, SCREW YOU!"

gilda: *signing and pointing to a picture of shura*

Rin: "???"

salaryman: <what on earth is with her hair? is she some kind of subculture girl? what are they called, 'gyaru'?>

Salaryman 2: <Wait--she looks familiar...>

stocking: <you've seen her?>

Salaryman 2: *nods* <Yes--she got into a cab after me.>

stocking: <do you know where she went?>

Salaryman 2: <She said she was going to Lake Towada.>

Yukio: "Which matches what we already know..."

stocking: <thank you very much sir.>

Rin: "So we're cabbing it to the Lake?"

*A nearby electronics shop has weather reports*

stocking: guess so.

Yukio: "Except the roads are covered in ice."

stocking: hmmm....

Rin: "Maybe a taxi has snow-chains or something--"

*IT SOUNDS LIKE A LOUD ENGINE*

gilda: OxO;;

Taxi Driver: "Taxi? Need a taxi?!" *they've modified their cab with monster wheels and a plow*

stocking:....huh...

Rin: "Cool! You take credit card?"

Taxi Driver: "Sure thing, kid! Hop in."

-elsewhere-

kirika: *grumbles and sits up* =~=

lord death: *pokes head in* hey there, sweetie! just checking in on ya!

kirika: well, im better than yesterday....i guess.....

lord death: well, nygus will be here later to check up on you, since the hospital's rather busy today.

kirika: *grunt*

lord death: oh, and your boyfriend is here to visit.

Gopher: Q^Q "..."

kirika: hey....y'know, after yesterday's shitshow, you being here is actually an improvement, goph.

Gopher: >~< "I was so worried!" *hug*

kirika: h-hey now, you're gonna get sick too, moron.

lord death: *exits*

Gopher: "I don't care--I take plenty of vitamin C and want to share my good health through my hug!"

kirika:...*chuckle* you're one weird kid, y'know?.......*sigh*

Gopher: "Do you feel better?"

kirika:.....i feel drained....a lot's happened this week....

Gopher: "Are you eating and sleeping? Did you see a doctor?"

kirika: -_-; yeah, a doctor was here...but yeah, i've been eating and sleeping and shit....

Gopher: *nods* "Yes, digestive health is also important."

kirika: *chuckle*.......*sigh*.....mind if i talk about everything? might help, i guess....

Gopher: "I'm all ears."

-she explains what all happened in shirase town-

Gopher: "Jeez...That's a lot for you to deal with. That punk didn't hurt you, did she?"

kirika: pssh, like i'd get owned by some rookie kid, haha!

Gopher: ^w^ "Good. As for the town itself...Will your sister be okay?"

kirika:...she seems to be doing well....it's so weird....everything feels...different now....it's nice but.....it's scary......

mocha: *nuzzle* ^w^

Gopher: *smiles* "...A lot has changed..."

kirika: yeah.....*hugs* thanks for being consistent, you little weirdo.

Gopher: O\\\\w\\\\O "Al-Always..."

kirika: *smug grin* now dont go getting any ideas. *tiny chop*

Gopher: O\\\\\\O "Wh-What on earth do you mean?"

kirika:.... 737;

-elsewhere-

Saria: "Hello! Two donuts, please!"

clerk: coming right up!

lukas: ._.;;;

Saria: ^^ "Anything else you want, Lukas?"

Clerk 2: "--and then the cake was gone! And five bucks was left!"

lukas:......im good, thanks....

clerk 3: i think your sleeping meds are messing with you again, dave.

Dave: "Shut up, Stewart--I know what you do with the leftover muffins!" >_<#

-elsewhere-

ochako: *playing some fantasy quest online with some other UA students* so then i saw like this big plane flying towards death city, and then it turned around! i guess they're doing flight practices or something.

jirou: could be.

eijiro: that does make sense.

kinako: dude, that's rad.

Aoyama: "Oui. They must not be revealing the reasons so not to alarm residents."

ochako: maybe. still, it was pretty cool to see. i would have taken a picture, but my camera was charging. would have made for a pretty cool background.

jirou: you could always ‘shop one up.

ochako: that's true.

eijiro: also wtf was that fog last night?

ochako: oh ya, that was pretty weird.

Mina: "Yeah, really--it came out of nowhere. It's not even fall."

Monoma: "I SAW WEIRD FOG DURING MY TRAVELS OVERSE--"

jirou: probably one of those weird death city things.

Aoyama: *holds up a hand* "Begone."

-elsewhere-

kirako: morning everyone. ^^

Kyoka: *yawns*

Tanizaki: Q_Q

fukuzawa: indeed.

Dazai: *sips tea* "Hello~"

atsushi: i'm so exhausted T-T;;

Kunikida: "--YOU WERE BELLIGERENT, OUT OF COMMUNICATION, PUT THIS CITY AND WORLD AT RISK--"

aya: what's biting _his_ butt?

Dazai: *puts headphones on*

Kyoka: "Things were rather violent last night, Aya."

aya: did you guys do some super cool detective stuff and i totally missed out?! boooo. =3=

-knocks-

atsushi: ?? oh! l-lucy!

Lucy: *dramatic finger point* "Doppo Kunikida! I'm calling you out!"

atsushi: huh?

aya: eh?

Kunikida: -_-# "...Atsushi, get your girlfriend out of here. We have important business to deal with and no time for--"

Lucy: *grabs Kunikida by his tie, pulling him until his forehead slams into hers*

atsushi: D8

Kunikida: O_O;

yosano: oh shit.

aya: WHAT THE HECK, LADY?!

Lucy: "LISTEN UP! I just spent hours trapped by my own ability in a whimsical psychedelic world of my own making, so I'm only asking this once..."

Kunikida: O_O;

Lucy: "..." *gets on her hands and knees* "PLEASE ACCEPT ME AS YOUR STUDENT!"

atsushi:.....wait what?

aya:.....*blinks*

Kunikida: ._.;;; "...I have a lot of work to do today--"

Lucy: *looks up, glaring*

atsushi: lucy?

Kunikida: "!!!" *backs up* "Two-Two o'clock?"

Lucy: *bounces up, smiling* "Yes, thank you, sir." *bows* *smiles at Atsushi* ^^

atsushi:...^^ congrats!

Lucy: "...AND YOU! Did you get enough sleep?!"

atsushi: well....i dont think _any_ of us did.

sylvia: .~.

ranpo: dazai just snuck out.

Lucy: "Then get home early to catch up! ..." T~T "Because I didn't either...I'm going back to Anne's Room..."

*the window is open*

-elsewhere-

Dazai: "Ow...Ow..." *takes a step* "This was easier when I was younger..."

-on the roof of a building-

Dazai: "??? Oh. Am I late?"

???: took ya long enough.

Dazai: "Sorry--had something important to discuss."

-yana turns back and looks at him-

yana: rough night?

Dazai: "You would know." *sits on the ledge, kicks up his feet* "It was a real killer~"

yana: you dont look too dead to me. guess you took my advice and kept an antidote in your mouth. im surprised.

Dazai: "Yes, thank you. But next time, find one with better flavor and fewer side-effects--I've been itchy all morning."

yana: *chuckles* no promises......so you brought the info you promised?

Dazai: *holds up the file, fanning himself with it* "Of course~"

yana: *examining it* thanks........Olivia Wallace....she looks just like me....

Dazai: "Neat, huh? So, that's your DNA donor?"

yana: yeah...that's mom.....*smiles* thanks for doing this for me....

Dazai: "You're welcome. Thanks for letting me live."

yana: *chuckles* sure fam, sure....

Dazai: "Why do you want to leave?"

yana:....the rats.....it's a toxic environment. me being one 8th of dos, means i'm often compared to him...he's my DNA dad, yet he's never been a 'dad' for me.....i've only existed as a pawn for his own goals. i guess....i want to find something to live for, for me.

Dazai: "..." *nods* "Better than the alternative, huh?"

yana:..yeah....i guess....*takes her glasses off* you know......the sunlight...feels kinda nice.

Dazai: "Warm summer light..." *looks at her* "You're kinda pale."

yana: to be fair, i've spent way too much time underground.

Dazai: "Makes sense...But you're heading back there?"

yana: ....*shakes head* i had you look my mom up for a reason.

Dazai: "And how are you getting there?"

yana: i'll find a way.

Dazai: "Got it. Don't get yourself killed."

yana: hehe.....shame im leaving. i feel we could be real good friends...

Dazai: *smirks* "Don't sell me so short." *stretches--then winces* "Ah...You know how to reach me."

yana: yeah.....one more thing. if you ever meet a girl named Anya Hepburn. tell her that im sorry, and that i hope she meets someone who makes her happy.

Dazai: "??? What, that princess?"

yana:...yeah....we-...almost kinda had something....didnt work out.

Dazai: "...Relatable. Cursed?"

yana:...maybe, maybe it's just shit luck....but at the very least, she deserves some closure. she's a good person.

Dazai: *looks down to the street, where Atsushi is following Lucy* "Rare to find those kind of people..."

yana:....yeah....best of luck to you then.

Dazai: "Same to you, kid."

-elsewhere-

Fitzgerald: *his hand is bandaged* "Sorry for my lateness..."

louisa: Q_Q;;;;

daisy: what on earth happened to you?!

bram: *collapsed on the floor* *muffled groans*

Fitzgerald: "Evidently someone caused Abilities to turn against their owners." *frowns* "No amount of money could assuage my 'other half.'"

Toby: *nudges Louisa*

mary: marinara pop tarts were a mistake.

louisa: *pet pet*

Fitzgerald: "Any appointments?"

daisy: yes, you have a meeting with a mr danglars coming up later this month.

Fitzgerald: "Ah, from the shipping company. Any dirt you find on him?"

daisy: i beg pardon? ._.;

Fitzgerald: "Blackmail material. Illegal activities. Failed marriages. Children born out of wedlock. Unpaid parking tickets. Has Eckleburg been falling down on the job?"

daisy: -_-; i'll get right on it.

-elsewhere-

erina: .......

Jordan: "Zzz..."

erina:.....alli?

Allison: "Hey, roomie!" *holding her phone* "Now, this may be triggering, but it's good news."

erina: .....?

Allison: "...Dostoyevsky has been arrested."

erina: !!!! r-really!?

Allison: "Really really!"

erina: that's great i-...i.....*shaking*

Allison: "..." *smiles, hugs*

Jordan: *yawns* "Hmm? Oh, hey, Allison. Erina, what's up?"

erina: w-w-what if he gets o-out again?! w-what if he comes after me?! ................*staring off into space*

Jordan: "...Allison?"

erina: ...........................

Allison: "He's not out now. He's locked up. So...Are you going to stay here forever?"

erina:..............................

Jordan: "...Erina..." *holds her hand*

erina:....*blinks* hu-huh? w-what....what just happened? j-jordan?

Jordan: "...Let's get you home."

erina:.....im never going to get better from this....am i?

Jordan: "You don't know what the future has in front of you."

Allison: "You're going to get better--I promise!"

erina:....i....i need help.....

Allison: "..." *nods*

Jordan: "We'll call up a doc today."

-elsewhere-

Sansa: "Color of the vehicle?"

garage owner: kind of a navy blue?

Sansa: "I see. Let me check the datab--" O_O;;;;;; "...Um...I found a car matching your description."

-there is a car completely on fire-

-meanwhile-

yosano: .________.

naomi: holy shit kyouka.

Kyoka: "It was the most logical solution."

Tanizaki: "..." *sighs* "I'll get a gift basket ordered..."

fukuzawa:....................

ranpo: certified chaotic good.

Kyoka: "...Am I to be punished?"

fukuzawa: *walks up to kyouka....*head pat* everyone makes mistakes. try not to do it again.

Kyoka: ^^ "Thank you, sir."

-elsewhere-

-audience cheering-

audience: LILISA! TSURURI! YAMAMIN! LILISA! TSURURI! YAMAMIN!

audience dude: UWOOOOOOOOOO! YAMAMIN-CHAN IS BEST GIRL WUOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

creepy dude:.....

Announcer: "And now to perform 'Shabon Song'--you know them, you love them--Misa Yamamura, Ruri Tsubomi, and Lisa Iori!"

-cheering intensifies-

-the girls do their performance-

Announcer: *watching*

audience member: TSURURI BE MY WIFE!

audience: LISA IORI FOR THE WIIIN!!

creepy dude:....*slips into the shadows*

-the girls finish their song-

-MASSIVE CHEERING-

lisa iori: *waves*

misa: ^^

lisa iori: thanks for coming today everyone!

guy in audience: I LOVE YOU LILISA!

lisa iori: and i love _you_ random side character!

-in the backstage-

lisa iori: uuuuuugh, fuuuuuck, my heels are goddamn killing me. *chewing gum*

misa: wow, full house today, huh miss producer? .w.;;

Producer: "Not bad, kiddos."

lisa iori: swear, im getting too old for this shit....

ruri: ^^;

misa: i'm gonna get some sodas for us, ok?

lisa iori: bring me a morning rescue, ok?

misa: *nods and heads to the vending machines* ^^

creepy guy:....hello....yamamin.

misa: eep! oh, um...hi there. ^^ im almost done with the machine now-

creepy guy: im not here for soda...

misa: eh?

creepy guy: *approaching* sing for me...

-text on producer's phone-

Producer: "???" *checks*

misa: [hi miss producer! ^^ there was a creepy guy here @ the machines. scary! >~< ]

Producer: "..."

ruri: did something happen?

Producer: "Yes." *marches to the door--*

-text message-

Producer: *looks*

misa: [btw i think i have powers now]

Producer: "... ... ...What?"

misa: [what do i do??? D8> ]

Producer: "..." *texts* [scare the creep away with these powers]

misa: *trembling as vines have come out of the ground with dark purple flowers, which have drained the life from the creepy guy* m-m-miss p-producer? w-what do i do? *she's crying*

Producer: "..." *looks at the creep* "...First, can you reverse this? Second, we'll get you help."

misa: i-i dont know, i-it just happened! i-is is he...is he..

Producer: *checks* "...No pulse."

misa:....*screaming* ah. ah.....*throws up*

ruri: what's-? !!!!! misa!

lisa iori: what the fucking shit?!

-elsewhere-

tsugumi: and luck with fani?

mio: not that i see, no.

Meme: "She's...taking her time to get used to things. You know, new city, new school...New terms of imprisonment."

mio: pretty stubborn too. =3=

tsugumi: sounds like she's...a tough nut to crack. *finger guns*

mio:...no. you did not. you seriously did not.

Meme: ^^; "Ha."

mio: please dont encourage her. -_-;

tsugumi: ^^;

Meme: "For now, we just have to keep trying to reach her...I'm sure she'll come around."

-elsewhere-

sonia: *snoozing*

miyuri: zzzzzzz

mito: *sleep purring*

Chuuya: "Zzz..." *has his arms out, the kids sleeping on them*

kouyou:....*small smile and slowly closes the door*

Gin: *standing outside the door on guard duty* "..."

kouyou: they're all tuckered on out....

higuchi: yeah....its just.....hard to believe....*wipes her eyes* this is wonderful....we can finally go home.

etta: im super happy for you all! ^^

hans: i'd be lying if i said i wouldnt miss your company.

Gin: "We appreciate what you have done. I'm sure Hirotsu and the others would like to repay you."

hans: we're just helping out, from one group of ability users to another.

higuchi: goethe still drinking in his room?

hans: yes. *sigh*

-in his room-

goethe: *sips wine* ah....strange.....an ability that can turn abilities against the user...how strange.....ah...i wonder what you'd think about that, you crazy old genius...

-elsewhere-

preston: well, aint this just a predicament?

Yafeu: "WHAT EVEN ARE THOSE THINGS?! DEMONS?"

Patty: "I think they're masks? They still have tags on them..." *grabs one by the face*

Demon 1: "OW!"

Patty: "Nope--this one is real."

preston: *aims and shoots*

Patty: "Sis!" *transforms*

Demon 2: *dodging* "I just wanted the money--not this shit!"

liz: *shooting*

Demon 3: *somehow has a stick in the air with a white flag...no...a white shirt?...waving it* "We surrender!"

liz:...

-BANG-

liz: *phew*

preston: mission accomplished.

Yafeu: "IS THIS NORMAL? THEY JUST GAVE UP THIS EASILY."

Patty: *counting stolen money from the bank*

-elsewhere-

Kazue: *ribbon hanging off of sword form* <Tighten your grip, or I'll go flying.>

amelia: *holding on* right. *SLASH SLASH*

Black Star: *blocking with Tsubaki's Uncanny Sword* "Watch your right." *about to kick at her right*

-BLOCK-

Black Star: "Nice! Now your left!" *swings*

-BLOCK-

Black Star: *smirks* "Good work. What do you think, Tsubaki?"

tsubaki: she's really good at this.

Black Star: "Like she's used a blade before..."

amelia:.....

Black Star: "Well, let's take a break. We'll get some tea."

amelia: thank you.

-elsewhere-

Soul: "...So...When's Spirit getting married, Izumi?"

izumi: i think sometime in june? i'll have to ask again....

Soul: "Hmm...Glad for him and your mom..."

Asher: "..."

izumi: yeah......

Asher: "...So, what're we doing?" *looks around the trees*

Soul: *points at Izumi* "You can't read souls, right?"

izumi:....*shakes head no*....

Soul: "Which puts you at a disadvantage for soul resonance."

Asher: "?!"

Soul: "I could knock Asher out of your hand, and they'd revert to human form like that--" *snaps fingers*

izumi:.......

Soul: "So, you two needs to strengthen that bond." *puts on boxing punch mitts* "Aim the tonfa for my mitt, and keep striking. I'm going to try to break your bond."

izumi: o-ok then.....*gulps*

Asher: *groans, turns into tonfa*

Soul: *pats the mitt* "Right here."

izumi: *AIMS*

Asher: "Let's do it!"

izumi: HAAAH!

Soul: *absorbs the blow* "Harder."

izumi: HUOOOOOO!

Soul: *absorbs the next blow* "Is that all you got? I can't even feel it. What's your weapon even doing?"

izumi: grk-....HAAAAAAA!!!!

Asher: "We'll show you what we got!"

*Asher's tonfa glows*

Soul: "?!!!"

*POW*

Soul: "AH!" *holds his arm*

izumi: ah-!

Soul: "Stop! Ah..."

izumi:....is your arm alright?

Soul: "Y-Yeah...Just numb. You struck a nerve..."

Asher: "...Sorry."

izumi:........s-sorry....

Soul: "Hey, it's fine. I told you to hit harder...And that glow shows something."

izumi: you did really great, asher!

Asher: "...I didn't do anything..." >_>;

izumi: neither did i, really ^^;

Soul: "You had a stronger resonating rate than usual. So now you need to figure out what you did differently...You either really got into it, or you both just got really pissed at the right moment together."

izumi: hmm.....

Asher: "...I was pretty annoyed with you, Death Scythe...But I felt something else coming off of Izumi...I don't know."

Soul: -_-;

izumi: really? i didnt feel anything come from me though... ^^;

Soul: "Well, I need to put ice on this...Ah...Go over to that dummy over there and keep hitting its mitts until I get back."

*The dummy has Stein's face drawn onto it*

izumi: *sweatdrop*

Asher: "...You could've taken one of that bear's masks?"

Soul: "I'd like _not_ to have Tezca talk to me. Ever." *walks away*

izumi:......*sigh*

Asher: "..." *human form* "We need a break, too. How are you?"

izumi: ok, i guess..........did i make the right choice?

Asher: "...You want a new partner?"

izumi: no, im not saying that! i mean...did i make the right choice, coming to the DWMA?

Asher: "...What's making you think that?"

izumi: i mean, i dont really have any talent as a meister, and i barely know how to fight. i dont even have any real skills or soul perception or anything.

Asher: "Yeah, but did every student who came here know how to fight?"

izumi: i guess _some_ did? ......

Asher: "...Well, they aren't letting us do heavy-duty combat classes until we get through physical stuff..." *pokes her forearm* "Build up muscles, I guess."

izumi: =3=;

Asher: *smirks* "Maybe ask Death Scythe for a training regiment?"

izumi: can i even do that?

Asher: "Of course you can--you're Izumi Albarn."

izumi:............

Asher: "...So, ready to bash that dummy and build up some muscle?"

izumi:....y-yeah....

-elsewhere-

Tezca: "How're your charges holding up, Esther?"

esther: quite well i'd think. and yours~? ^^

Tezca: "Super! We got them on espionage training."

esther: oh, and how's that been for them?

Tezca: "I think they're taking well to the horse suit."

-elsewhere-

naho: *humming*

???: hiya miss naho!

naho: ?? !! ame!

ame: *HUG* hehe! ^^

Ame's Father: "Oh, hello." *smiles*

naho: hiya mr isawa!

ame: lookie lookie! my hair's growing longer again, see? *holds up her pigtails*

naho: oh that's great! you look so cute!

ame: ^w^

Mr. isawa: "Is that a school uniform, Naho?"

naho: oh this? well sorta, i thought i'd wear a more stylized uniform today. ^^

mrs isawa: oh right! you were in that fashion show recently werent you?

Mr. Isawa: "How did it go?"

naho: it was super fun, and i even got to meet yamamin in person! she's an idol singer btw.

Mr. Isawa: "I see." ^^; "We were taking Ame out to the park."

naho: oh that sounds nice. have fun! ^^

-elsewhere-

Saria: "Just focus on your aim..."

lukas:...*inhales*

Saria: *smiles in her weapon form, closes her eyes, trying to resonate with him*

lukas:...*aims and strikes*

*Perfect hit*

lukas: !!! YAY! ^u^

Saria: "Great work! We were in sync there!" ^^

lukas: yeah...

-elsewhere-

higuchi: *knocks*

Chuuya: "Hmm?" *opens the door*

higuchi: hey, the party's just about ready. how're the girls?

Chuuya: "Getting ready. Thanks for finding a dress for Miyuri."

miyuri: WOOOOW it's so soft!

Chuuya: ^^; "Ready to head out, Miyuri?"

miyuri: *nod nod*

sonia:...yes papa.

Chuuya: *pats Sonia's head* "That dress looks great."

sonia: *smiles*

Chuuya: "Let's get going..."

-in the party room-

miyuri: *shiny eyes* WOOOOAH!

Walter: *turns on the remote for the disco ball*

miyuri: *GASP* WHAT IS THAT?!

Walter: "A mirror ball! Perfect for getting down to boogie!"

miyuri: oooooooh.

sonia: ^^;

Motojiro: *putting snacks onto a plate*

miyuri: *sniff sniff* !!! *looking at the snacks* *drools*

Motojiro: "Anything you want, Miyuri?"

miyuri: *staaaaaring at the snacks* *spots wasabi* what's that?

Motojiro: "Wasabi. It's kind of spicy?"

miyuri: *nom*.... OuO ...... QuQ;;;;;

Chuuya: "!!!" *hands Miyuri some punch*

miyuri: >XP the green stuff is yucky!

sonia: *sweatdrop*

Motojiro: "Maybe something sweet?"

miyuri: yes please!

Chuuya: *offers a cupcake*

miyuri: *nom* MMMMM!! >w<

Chuuya: ^^;

sonia: uncle kajii, if it's not too much to ask, do you think you can come over sometimes to help tutor miyuri?

Motojiro: QwQ "Of course! I was hoping someone would want me to help..."

sonia: thank you.

higuchi: ^^; (from terrorist bomber to teacher. this mafia sure is something else...)

Gin: "Ichiyo. May I speak with you?"

higuchi: um s-sure! whats up?

Gin: *pulls her aside*

higuchi: ah-

Gin: *they are in a separate room* "We need to speak privately about something important."

higuchi: ._.;;;

Gin: "While we are now pardoned of previous actions, the threat we faced also exposed our previous residences."

higuchi:...yeah...it did....

Gin: "Since we are all finding new places to live, I do not want you and your sister to be unprotected..."

higuchi: gin...

Gin: "..." *reaches into her purse, and removes a key*

higuchi: oh!

Gin: "I'm sorry for not asking you first...but I found a place for Ryu and me. We would be happy to have both of you live with us."

higuchi: i would love to!

Walter: "How's it going, Etta?"

etta: doing better. my wrists are a little sore still, so i'm taking it easy.

Walter: "Yeah. That was crazy...Good thing you and Kafka survived it."

etta: yeah....im glad franzy was there...

Walter: ^w^ "You told him that?"

etta: hm?

Walter: "I think he'd like to hear it--he was really concerned for you."

etta: *nods* ok! ^^

Walter: "Speak of the devil!" *flips over the couch, sneaking away*

Kafka: *walks into the room, looking around*

etta: *waves* ^^

Kafka: "!!! ..." *wave*

Q: and this is elise!

elise: hi everyone!

tom: hi!

bessy: your hair is pretty!

elise: ^^

Wilhelm: "Where are you from?"

elise: well it's a bit of a long story.

higuchi:...hey gin? how big is the new house?

Gin: "1 master room, 1 bedroom each for our siblings, 1 guest room..."

higuchi: do you think the guest room can be for a 5th person?

Gin: "Someone you have in mind?"

higuchi: ...i think we should adopt Q.

Gin: "...I see."

higuchi: he's been through enough, maybe we could rehabilitate him in a loving home?

Gin: "..." *small smile* " 'Loving'?"

higuchi: .////.;

Gin: "I would be happy to...if it's with you." *holds her hand*

higuchi: =///////=

Gin: "Let's speak with Q."

katya: speakin of loving homes, dont you and lev have a wedding to plan, kajii?

Motojiro: "..." O_O;;;;;;;;;;;;;;

leo: ^^;

Motojiro: "My mind just reeled from the expanded options now that we are no longer confined to this location--so many more options for the ceremony, reception, honeymoon--Too much--"

leo: *pats his shoulder* it's ok, <love>.

Motojiro: ^\\\\^; <I promise--first thing tomorrow, we'll find a place for the ceremony.>

-elsewhere-

atsushi: *passed out on the futon* =~= longest.....day.....ever......sleep has never been more needed.

Kyoka: =_= *yawns*

sylvia: *asleep*

Kyoka: "..." *tucks Sylvia in* "I think we all need sleep..." *yawns*

atsushi: yeah....

Kyoka: *lies down...* "Zzz..."

atsushi:...

Odasaku: Still not sleeping?

atsushi: (trying to...)

Odasaku: (Sorry--I didn't mean to interrupt.)

atsushi: (it's fine...)

Odasaku: (...I know Dazai appreciated what you did.)

atsushi:...*nods*

Odasaku: (What will you do now with what you have learned?)

atsushi: (nothing i really _can_ do but move forward.)

Odasaku: (...I suppose you're right.)

atsushi:.....(should i wait to tell dazai about...you know..?)

Odasaku: (...This is your body. I don't think I have a say in your decision.)

atsushi:... (good point.) *sigh* (maybe i shouldnt say anything for now.)

Odasaku: (I'm sure he'll understand.)

atsushi: yeah.....night.

Odasaku: (Good night.)

-elsewhere-

Poe: "..." *lying in bed, staring at the wall*

lana: feeling better, edgar?

Poe: "..." *shakes his head*

lana: ...*hug*

Poe: *shivers, quiet sob*

lana: i love you, you know that?

Poe: "Y-Yes...It was knowing that fact that kept me living..."

lana: *kiss on the cheek*

Poe: T\\\\\T *hug*

lana: say, why dont i invite rowena and ranpo over for tea tomorrow?

Poe: "...Okay. Yes."

-elsewhere-

naomi: hey bro? still cant sleep?

Tanizaki: "Sorry...Was I keeping you awake?"

naomi: *shakes head* i brought hot cocoa if that helps.

Tanizaki: *nods* "Sounds good...Marshmallows?"

naomi: mmhmm ^^ how about tomorrow you, me, and kirako visit one of the cat cafe's in the shopping street?

Tanizaki: "Gr-Great." ^^;

-elsewhere-

kenji: hey yosano? my friend nankichii's gonna be sleeping over tonight, is that ok?

nankichii: *holding onto kenji's sleeve, crying*

Yosano: "Sure. Hello, Nankichii."

nankichii: *hic* s-scary, this place is scary! i-i wanna go back to ihatov! *sobs*

kenji: *rubs his back* it's ok, nankichii, gon wont bully you anymore.

gon: kon kon! i said i was sorry! >3<

Yosano: ^^; "I see you had your own experience..." *stretches* "I'm done from hospital work, so just keep it down."

kenji: ok. come on nankichii. we'll make a blanket fort!

Yosano: ^^ *yawns* *grabs a glass*

-elsewhere-

Dumas: "..." *staring at a laptop screen*

marquis: *sleeping, holding his pillow* mama....papa...dont go...

Dumas: "..." *sighs* *searches online for a name*

-some results come up-

-there are photos of a woman named 'Mercedes'-

Dumas: "..." *clicks a social media profile*

-one page is Mercedes Mondego, she's holding a young toddler boy-

Dumas: "... ... ..." *buries his face into his hands, lets out something between a groan and a sob*

emily: hnn? hullo? =.= *still half asleep*

Dumas: "..." *wipes his eyes* "Hey."

emily: is everything ok with you?

Dumas: "...Just looking up someone."

emily: ah.

Dumas: "...How are your comrades recovering?"

emily: well, they're doing well. they managed to get all the poison out of ebie, so she's resting right now too.

Dumas: "Hmm...Good. ...Did you have a similar experience?"

emily: well...

Dumas: "???"

emily:.. *shakes head* it's nothing.

Dumas: "...It's none of my business, but that doesn't sound like 'nothing.'"

emily: ....

Dumas: "...You like dogs?"

emily: i suppose so.

Dumas: "This is mine." *shows his laptop*

emily: aw, how cute!

Dumas: "That's Haydee. I adopted her."

emily: she's so sweet. ^^

Dumas: *nods* "Very affectionate..." *points at Marquis* "Even to this goof."

emily: ^^;

Dumas: "Your people have pets?"

-elsewhere-

stocking: here we are.

Rin: "Looks kinda empty..."

gilda:.....*knocks*

manager: yessss?

Yukio: <Hello. We are interested in rooms for the night.>

stocking: <room for 4 please>

manager: <right this way please.>

Rin: *looking at the decor* "Looks pleasant enough. How're the baths here?"

manager: <quite nice. the young lady that was here asked the same thing.>

Yukio: "???" <With striking hair?>

manager: <yes, quite unusual for this area>

Rin: "As our map said..."

manager: <well, here's your room. and feel free to reserve a private bath if you need to.>

gilda: *smiles*

Rin: "Cool! I'll take one--"

Yukio: "Sit down and help me review these maps."

Rin: -3-

manager: <enjoy your stay.> *exits*

*there's another room, locked up*

gilda:......*pokes the lock*

???: "OUCH!" *thump*

gilda: !!!!! *startled jump*

stocking: ?!? what the heck?!

Yukio: "???" *pulls out his gun, aims for the door--*

gilda: D8

stocking: yukio, you're gonna get us thrown out!

Yukio: *to the neighbor* "Exit right now, or I'm giving you a failing grade and reporting you to Pheles."

Rin: "...Yuki, in the real world, no one caves into bad grades from people who aren't their teachers--you'd have better luck with the gun."

stocking: *sweatdrop* let me handle this. *ahem* excuse me, are you alright over there? sorry my friend poked you in the eye. ^^;

???: *struggling to change their voice* "It-It's fine! You're a very nice lady, and I know you're sincere in your apology..."

stocking: not a problem. ^^; (hmm....) why dont you guys go check the baths out? im gonna see if there's a vending machine.

???: *small annoyed groan* -_-;

Yukio: "But we have maps to review--"

Rin: *already dragging Yukio away* ^w^

stocking: ^^ .......

-elsewhere-

lydia: *packing boxes*

Ivan: *shaking* <Wh-Where is Master? And Young Master?>

lydia: it's ok, vanya. fyodor did mention this being part of the plan, remember?

Ivan: *sniffles*

lydia:....*pats his back*

Gogol: *looking outside* "..."

elizaveta: *hug*

Gogol: ^^; *hugs her*

elizaveta: *holds up leila* *wrrr* *different voice* it's ok, kolya! you still have us!

Gogol: *nods* "I know--and I appreciate you both." *head pat*

elizaveta: ^w^

lydia:......*sigh* <our numbers are dwindling more and more....>

Ivan: <And we have to move quickly out of here.>

lydia: <i dont think we can move the comatose one in this state....>

Ivan: <So, what, we leave her?>

lydia: <if we bring her, it'll take up time and risk us getting caught. just one of those sacrifices we have to make.......>

Ivan: <I suppose...At least we have other bargaining chips.>

lydia:.....*nods* (it hurts looking at her......it reminds me of-...) *bites her lip* <r-right.>

Ivan: <I'll get the prisoners...I'll need help since we lack the previous servants.>

lydia: <right.> ...... <perhaps we should contact our base back in st petersburg to send recruits?>

Ivan: <Shall I?>

lydia: *nods*

-elsewhere-

Inka: O_O;;;;;; "..." *rubs her eyes*

sasori: *asleep*

Inka: "..." *lies next to her*

sasori:...mmn....mama....

Inka: "..." *hug*

-morning-

Chuuya: "Zzz..."

mito: *paws at his hair*

Chuuya: *grumbles, turning*

miyuri: zzzzzz

sonia: *yaaawn*

Chuuya: =_= *yawn* *looks*

miyuri: zzzzzzz....

Chuuya: "..." *carefully getting up to go to the kitchen*

sonia: miyuri, its time to wake up now.

miyuri: *yaaaaawn*

sonia: papa, can we have pancakes?

miyuri: ??

Chuuya: *nods* "Coming right up."

miyuri: *looking around*

*there's a window facing the forest*

miyuri: *peeeeeek*

*looks like Akutagawa is outside, looking at the woods*

miyuri: *knocks*

Akutagawa: *turns*

miyuri: *waving* hiya! ^^

Akutagawa: "..." *nods*

miyuri: ^^

sonia: come on miyuri. the kitchen's this way.

Akutagawa: "..." *waves*

miyuri: *takes a seat* what's all that stuff?

sonia: that's the refrigerator, it keeps things cold. and that's the oven. it makes things warm.

miyuri: oooooh!

Chuuya: *at the stove, flipping the pancake*

miyuri: *sniffs* mmmm~ smells yummy. =w=

Chuuya: "Any fruit with it, kids?"

miyuri: *looking at everything*

Chuuya: "...I guess take it slow..." *sets down a glass of orange juice*

sonia: maybe start with just syrup and butter first.

miyuri: okaaay.

Chuuya: "Okay..." *sets out the syrup and butter before plating the pancakes*

miyuri: *nom*...*WIDE EYES* .......

sonia: ._. miyu-

miyuri: MIYURI CAN SEE ETERNITY!!! 8D

Chuuya: .___. "..." *takes back the syrup bottle--*

sonia: *sweatdrop*

Chuuya: "Sonia, make sure she packs...and keep her away from sugar."

sonia: noted.

miyuri: miyuri doesnt have anything to pack though.

Chuuya: "...Well, you have that new dress?"

miyuri: ^^

Chuuya: ^^;

-elsewhere-

shinra: *YAAAAAWN*

Relan: "Morning..."

shinra: morning. *streeeeetch*

lisa: oh hey, your up.

shinra:.....hey rel, when did we get a new recruit?

-CHOP-

lisa: -_-# its me, lisa.

Relan: ^^; "I love the new hair."

shinra: >3<; im sorry! i didnt recognize you cuz of the hair!

lisa: yeah, decided to try something new.

Vulcan: ^^ "It's great." *passes a hand on the back of her neck*

lisa: *blush* thanks vul.

Vulcan: ^\\\\^

-elsewhere-

Lucy: *knock knock knock* "I'm ready to begin my training! ...Hello? Open up!"

Kunikida: =_= *pulls blankets over himself*

aya: kunikida, lucy's here!

Kunikida: "It's not even 7 AM. Tell her to come back--"

*PUNCH*

*the door is knocked down*

aya: she's in.

Lucy: *the doorway now seems to show Anne's room behind her* ^w^ "I'm ready to train!"

Kunikida: =_= "...We'll begin with morning exercises. Aya, show her the usual stretching exercises...I need to get replacement hinges..." *writing in his notebook, summoning hinges*

aya: yes sir! *salutes*

-elsewhere-

Benimaru: *holding up Konro's medicine, looking over its manufacturer* "..."

kabuki: been quite a lot of excitement these past few days, hasnt there?

Benimaru: "Uh huh..." *sets it down* *groans*

kabuki: sir?

Benimaru: "...I have to do it."

kabuki: ??

Benimaru: "..." *writes something down* "Go to the Fifth and drop this off. Make sure only the Commander there sees it. I have to do something at home."

kabuki: *examines* very well sir.

Benimaru: *nods* *walks towards home*

*two sets of eyes watch from the alley*

???: "..."

-elsewhere-

Kyoka: "Feeling better?"

atsushi: yeah.

Kyoka: "..." *head pat* "You're doing good."

atsushi: *smiles* thanks

Kyoka: "Want to go out today?"

atsushi: sure!

sylvia: o-ok..

Kyoka: "We can get lunch, shop..."

atsushi: why dont we visit the museum today?

Kyoka: "Oh, good."

sylvia: t-that sounds nice.

Kyoka: "Any new exhibits?"

atsushi: i think there's one on robots and aliens. ^^

Kyoka: "...'Aliens'?"

atsushi: like in the movies.

Kyoka: "Ah. We should watch some movies, too--maybe this weekend."

atsushi: sounds good. ^^ maybe i'll even invite lucy, if she's not busy.

Kyoka: "Like training."

-elsewhere-

sayaka: welp, got my stuff packed, and i leave for hoozuki first thing tomorrow.

ouya: ^^ you be safe, you hear?

sayaka: i will, mom.

Mr. Miki: "And call home."

sayaka: will do!

-elsewhere-

Spirit: ._.; "You both look exhausted..." *sets down breakfast*

sachiko: no kidding. *sigh* -~- *takes coffee mug* come to mama, sweet brown medicine.

Spirit: ^^; *hands an ice pack to Izumi*

izumi: thanks dad.

Spirit: "How's training?"

izumi:...it's been good.

Spirit: "Well, if you're sore, that may indicate you're strengthening...And if Soul gives you any trouble--" *summons a blade* "--_you let me know~_..."

izumi: ^^;;; will do.

-elsewhere-

Rin: =w= *curled up in the bed*

stocking: [morning, kiddo <3]

Kid: [good morning. miss u, love 💗 ]

stocking: [u get the pics i sent? *winky emoticon*]

Kid: [oh yes .\\\. very much appreciated. have fun?]

stocking: [so far. dinner was delish last night.]

Kid: [oh? fancy?]

stocking: [it was interesting. mission work will begin today. secondary mission is to try some traditional japanese sweets]

Kid: [^^ of course. be safe--and enjoy!]

-elsewhere-

Viktor: "I'm heading out." *picks up a file folder labeled "Hajima"*

nozomi: good luck. ^^

Viktor: *smiles* "Thanks!" *turns around...looks a bit grimmer as he exits the Eighth's church*

Petra: "Come along--purification needs to be finished on time..."

rita: *nods* *signing* <ok!>

Vulcan: "--and the new garbage disposal should be quieter." *flips a switch...nothing happens* "???"

-BOOM-

tamaki: AGH! WHY?!?

Vulcan: ._.;;; *runs away*

Petra: "...Well, you were going in for purification anyway..."

tamaki: =_=

-elsewhere-

Sakuya: O_O;

naho: ._.

Higan: "What up, young people? I'm your substitute teacher. Call me Higan."

naho: *tries to slump in her seat to hide*

Higan: "Now, I want to get to know all of you--starting with an important question...What's the subject of this class?"

izumi:.....*face desk*

-elsewhere-

Walter: "How's packing?"

higuchi: coming along.

Gin: "Not like we brought much..."

higuchi: we still need to move the stuff from our old homes to the new house.

Walter: "Never fear--I kept security tabs on your old places to deter visitors--" *looks at his phone*

*tiny shrieks are heard*

Walter: "...I may have scared some Death Scouts who were stopping by to sell you cookies."

higuchi: ._.;

Gin: "...The pardon wasn't for _you_."

Walter: ^^;

Tachihara: *laughs* "Ever think of being tech support for the Mafia?"

Walter: "Um...Thanks, but no thanks. I like not getting shot at."

goethe: *staaaares* besides, he's under contract~

Walter + Tachihara: QwQ;;;;;;;;

-elsewhere-

rin: *relaxing in the bath* =w=

Yukio: *yawns* =_= "So much to review..."

rin: ....so when are you gonna tell shiemi you like her?

Yukio: "...You don't understand."

rin: what's not to understand? you busted a dinner date for her!

Yukio: "...If she knew the real me, she'd hate me."

rin: you dont know that. she's seen me at my most fucked up, and she still considers me her friend. ^^

Yukio: "..." *gets up to leave* "She'd hate me..."

rin:.....*pouts* *grumble grumble* stupid stubborn yukio.

Yukio: "..."

-elsewhere-

Benimaru: "More tea?"

kirei: *nods*

Benimaru: "Right away." *heats up water* "How has your sleep been?"

kirei: it's been alright for the most part.

Benimaru: *nods* "You're appointment is tomorrow?"

kirei: *nods* konro offered to bring me.

Benimaru: *smiles* "I'm glad...Please remind him to pick up his medicine."

kirei: i will....do you want to say hello? *rubs her stomach*

Benimaru: "..." *leans his ear to her stomach*

kirei: ^////^ *head pats*

Benimaru: =\\\\= "Hello, small one... Your father is here...He's not going anywhere."

-elsewhere-

axel: *checking his phone* yes! just caught a growlithe!

Zeke: "Sweet!" *looking at his phone* "...Nothing."

-elsewhere-

Steinbeck: "Good to be home..." *scratching his bandages*

ebie: ^^

baum: *hugging dorothy* Q~Q

dorothy: =A=;

Hemingway: "Held down the fort for us, then? Good lad."

baum: not a problem. oh sweet dorothy, the doctors didnt try to do shock therapy on you did they? TT~TT

dorothy: no, im fine. please stop, brother, you're only embarrassing yourself.

Steinbeck: "...Dark. Let's get going on our next heist--" *shifts--and winces* T~T

emily: are you sure you're ok, john?

Steinbeck: "I-I'm sure I'm fine." *smiles...then falls over* "Zzz..."

emily:...*sigh*

-elsewhere-

Dumas: *pets Haydee*

haydee: ^w^ *licks his hand*

Dumas: ^^ "Miss me, Haydee? I missed you, too."

haydee: *nuzzle* ^w^

cervantes: good doggo!

Dumas: "..." *sighs*

cervantes: ah *lays on couch* good to be back! ^^ .....you ok, dumas?

Dumas: "...Fine."

marquis: you've been gloomier than usual since this morning.

Dumas: "...It's nothing."

marquis: *huuug* would cuddles make it better~? 💗

Dumas: -_-; "...It's not hurting, but it's not helping either."

cervantes: huzzah! group hug! ^^

Dumas: "..." *sighs* "A regular trio..."

-elsewhere-

Poe: *sips tea* "Ah...Thank you for this..."

rowena: ^^

ranpo: *nomming on scones*

Poe: "Any work coming up for you all?"

lana: well, there's gonna be some fundraisers held at the hotel's restaurant.

Poe: "Oh? Charity or politics or investors?"

lana: pharaon shipping company, if memory serves.

Poe: "Ah, so courier service?"

lana: *nods*

Poe: "Hmm...Invitation only?"

-elsewhere-

Hibana: *opens the blinds to her luxury office--* "..."

kabuki: hello. ^^

Hibana: "...Look, if you want an autograph, you mail a form, my secretary sorts it, then I have my gopher do it for me. Now, beat it, before I call security."

kabuki: um actually, i have some questions to ask. ^^;

Hibana: "Interviews also go through my secretary--"

kabuki: *hands her a paper*

Hibana: "..." *looks* "Seal of the 7th..." *takes it, opens it* "..." *looks up* "You read this?"

kabuki: *shakes head*

Hibana: *snaps fingers* "Angels."

angels: yes princess?

Hibana: *writes a prescription* "Get him this for his captain. He'll be back to pick up more." *stares at Kabuki* "No one is to see you coming or going to pick up your captain's medicine--is that understood?"

-elsewhere-

Kepuri: "Okay, try this on..." *holding some mechanical contraption that looks like a travel pillow*

mana: *doing so* now what?

Kepuri: "Stand perfectly still..." *gets behind a metal barrier* *presses a button on a remote--*

*the metal collar on Mana's neck shakes--before metal juts out of it*

mana: ._.;;;;

*the collar has formed a suit of knight-like armor around Mana*

mana: woah!

Kepuri: "Now, try to move your right foot forward 3 centimeters."

mana: *step*

Kepuri: "Okay, releasing the weight--"

*a panel in the ceiling opens, as a weight falls towards Mana*

mana: O_O;;;

*the weight knocks Mana's helmet, but no obvious damage*

mana: huh. impressive.

Kepuri: "Yep! Newest in combat equipment! There's just one problem..."

mana: and that would be?

Kepuri: "I haven't figured out how to get someone _out_ of the suit."

mana: ._______. CHIE! HELP.

-elsewhere-

*a lighter goes off, as someone puffs on a cigarette*

izzy: ....

Joker: "We're all here--minus our newest partner."

izzy: so what's the plan?

Joker: "The Holy See has only one entrance--through the front gates."

nailfile: oh, so we just waltz right in?

Joker: "Not without some extra muscle..."

benimaru: ...

nailfile: oooh, he's cute.

benimaru: i'm also married. -_-#

Joker: "That's where the Strongman comes in to clear the path."

izzy: *whistle* im amazed you convinced a battalion commander to help us.

benimaru: and you want _my_ help in particular because...?

Joker: "You aren't curious what the Church is hiding? Or have you forgotten what the Church has done to your people? Or how they drafted you as their latest firefighter, their latest mutt?"

benimaru:.....

Joker: "And you're here-- even with a suspicious guy like me."

izzy: well then. *holds up her dice* shall we get this party started~?

-and so-

*inside the Church*

Raffles III: *praying*

-BOOOOOOOOM-

priest: !?!?

izzy: good evening, padres and madres. hope you dont mind us dropping in~

Raffles III: "W-Who are you?!"

izzy: well, i suppose you can call us 'renegades'.

Raffles III: "...Get me out of here." *grabs a priest's arm*

izzy: aww, leaving so soon, gramps?

*an open palm lands on Priest 2's chest*

priest 2: !!!

Benimaru: "Back off." *with the tiniest press of the open palm, the Priest is knocked back*

izzy: well fuck me gently with a chainsaw.

Benimaru: *staring off in the direction of Amaterasu* "..."

Joker: "Quite the entrance--as suited to this brand of justice."

nailfile: ....*glances in the same direction* yeah. that thing always creeped me out. something feels....evil 'bout it. i dunno.

Benimaru: "I feel blood coming off of it, like it's in the air..."

Joker: *smiles*

priest 3: and just what are you, smiling about?!

Joker: *turns* "Because I'm going to kick your ass."

priest 3: LANGUAGE!

Joker: *slams his fist into the Priest's face* "Fuck you."

???: please. allow me.

Joker: "???"

bowl-cut priest: ....

Joker: "You're new..."

Benimaru: "I'll handle this." *approaches--*

-POW-

Benimaru: *gasps...collapses*

Joker: O_O;

izzy:....well shit.

Joker: "So much for a strongman...Well, guess we need to run." *looks up at Bowl-Cut* "What'd you do to him?"

bowl-cut priest: so much for 'strongest firefighter'. nothing more than a dumb animal.

Joker: "..." *sniffs* "What's burning?" *looks down*

bowl-cut priest: ??

Benimaru: *he's on fire*

bowl-cut: oh?

Benimaru: *climbs up* "I'm not finished..."

bowl-cut: but- but that's impossib-

Benimaru: *leaps with a punch to Bowl-Cut's stomach*

bowl-cut: GRK-

*something drops from Bowl-Cut's hand*

Joker: "??? A blow-pipe?"

nailfile: and not the drug kind.

izzy: -_-;

Joker: "How did you survive that poison from this pipe, Strongman?"

Benimaru: "...I have too much to live for."

Joker: "..." -_-# "Fine. Be a dick and don't bother explaining things."

izzy: (is he even human??)

-more priests charge-

izzy: ...*smirks* alright chucklefucks. let's get this party lit.

-elsewhere-

gilda: *sleeping*

stocking: *asleep*

Yukio: *turned away from the others*

rin:...hey, you awake?

Yukio: "..."

rin:...you never really talk to us.....i get it, sometimes i like my space and privacy too, so i wont dig too much...but you've been acting more distant lately. from me, kyouko, dad, shiemi.....just- if things get bad for you, you can rely on us, ok?

Yukio: *clenching his jaw, eyes open*

rin: i really mean it....we- i worry about you......not saying anything?....*sigh* love you too, bro. night.

Yukio: "..." *holding back tears*

-elsewhere-

izzy:.....well where the fuck is everyone?!

Benimaru: "Did I blow up _everyone_?"

Joker: "No." *points to the altar* "We have to go underground."

nailfile: underground? you dont mean-

Joker: "The Nether."

izzy: well shit....

Joker: "Just lift the top--"

nailfile: waiiit, how do _you_ know this?

Benimaru: *kicks the entire altar away*

nailfile: OxO

Joker: ^^; "I grew up in darkness. I acclimated to darkness. I love darkness~"

nailfile: ooookay. (weirdo)

izzy:....you knoooow, we _do_ have an open position for the oni of wrath, mr shinmon.

Benimaru: "Hell no."

izzy:....eh, worth a shot. oh well. into the rabbit hole we go.

Benimaru: "You know this path? Then you should go first."

Joker: "More so you know I won't stab you in the back?"

-and so-

nailfile: ugh, this place gives me the creeps. my grandma used to tell me stories about this place...

Joker: "Good things?"

nailfile: what do _you_ think?

Joker: *shrugs*

izzy: .... so joker, what's your story?

Joker: "Hmm...I don't like talking about the past. If we survive this, I'll tell you another time."

izzy: hmph 737

Benimaru: "..." *grabs Joker by the collar, slamming him into a wall*

Joker: ^^;

Benimaru: "Do not test my patience. I've followed you this far without answers. I have put my home--my family--at risk for your bullshit. Spill, or I spill your blood."

Joker: "..." *smacks away his hand* "Don't test my patience, either. ...Let's just say, I was in the Church."

izzy: really? didnt take you for the religious type.

Joker: "I wasn't a willing member."

nailfile: the hell does _that_ mean?

Benimaru: "Wait a minute...Were you..."

Joker: *smirks* "Oh? Asakusa's God of Destruction has his interest piqued? Very well--I'll answer your question."

Benimaru: "...You had a bowl cut?"

izzy: *snerk* *stiffled laughter*

nailfile:.....<so gross.>

Joker: O_O; "No! I was working for the Church's dark side!"

izzy: ....huh. who'da thought.

Benimaru: "I don't understand."

Joker: "Just keep moving forward--you'll get it soon enough."

-elsewhere-

Chuuya: *scrolling through real estate listings on a web site*

sonia: *showing flash cards to miyuri* and this one is called a 'rectangle'

miyuri: oooooh.

Chuuya: *smiles* *marks down 3 listings*

miyuri: and what's this one?

sonia: that's a 'triangle'.

Chuuya: *writes down a number* "Hey, kids--I'm going to be making some calls."

sonia: ok papa. come on, miyuri. i'll show you our room.

miyuri: YAAAY! ^o^

Chuuya: *smiles* *dials*

lady: HHA homes, this is carly speaking, how can i help you tonight?

Chuuya: "Hello. I'm looking through your listings...I'm interested in a house?"

carly: ah i see.

Chuuya: "In fact, you had one listing in the suburbs--the one on Dorper Avenue?"

carly: ah yes, two story, three bedroom, two bathroom?

Chuuya: "And the backyard."

carly: yes, yes.

Chuuya: "I was thinking...I have 2 children and a cat. I think they'd like the yard. Maybe a treehouse..."

carly: well, there is a park and a school nearby, as well as a few small shops.

Chuuya: "Excellent. Could I schedule a tour?"

carly: of course! what day works for you?

Chuuya: "As soon as possible."

carly: alright.

-elsewhere-

nailfile: so this is the place, eh?

Joker: "The Nether."

nailfile: ....

Benimaru: "What is the Church hiding here?"

-the lights go out-

nailfile: *flame claws*

Joker: "They're here..." *lights up a cigarette*

izzy: _who's_ here?

*...Are those...eyes in the shadows?*

izzy: the hell?

seven: ......

Benimaru: "...Clowns? Your people?"

Joker: *smirks*

izzy: oooi, who the hell are you shitheads?

Joker: "The Shadows of the Holy Sun."

izzy:....the uniforms look stupid AF.

Joker: "Yes...This is a group of assassins, operating in secret on behalf of the Church."

commander: halt, interlopers. leave this sacred ground or else.

Joker: " 'Leave'? But this is my grand return!"

commander: what?

Joker: *smiles* "52."

commander:...after all these years.....

{*A small boy knocks a taller person down*}

{???: jeez, he's tough for a kid.}

{???: well done, 52}

{52: "It was no big deal...It's what a 'child of the sun' should do, yes?"}

{???: indeed. your next opponent is me.}

{????: he's not really gonna do it, is he? it's suicide!}

{52: "..."}

{commander: COME AT ME!}

{52: "..." *side-steps, swinging his fist at the Commander's head with a gazelle punch*}

{commander: *grabs his wrist and punches him* you're nothing. we are all children of the sun, abandoned by society and taken in by god. dont go thinking you're so special.}

{52: *stunned...acting on instinct, bites the Commander's wrist*}

{commander: GRK- why you insolent little- *WHAM* *WHAM* *WHAM*}

{???: h-hey, knock it off, you're gonna kill him!}

{commander:...heh. if i killed him now, it would be merciful.}

{52: *gasping, choking on blood..his nose is broken*}

{-...-}

{52: *bandaged...staring at a pocket watch* "..." ("This was all they found on me...'3:32'...Was that when I was abandoned? This world...is such shit. I don't think I'm special--I don't think anyone is. I just want to survive this madness...")}

{commander: again with that watch?}

{52: "!!!"}

{commander: *takes it and crushes it, burning it* this way. now.}

{-...-}

{*a house is on fire*}

{-cries can be heard-}

{???: the demon made off with the child, we must find them and destroy them at all costs!}

{???: "Sir! 52!}

{???: what about him?}

{-...-}

{*someone tosses a mask down onto the cement bottom of an alley*}

{52: *huff puff* ("The fire distracted them...Good...Can I get away? Can I escape?") "..." *takes a step forward, leaning on the alley wall for support* ("The sun should shine on all, yes?") *clutches his eye* ("...So...It happened again...Burns...")}

{-...-}

{girl: *humming* hm? ?!?! what the-}

{*52 is passed out in the street*}

{girl: ._.;; *nudges his head with her foot* umm....hey, uh....are...are you ok?}

{52: *groans, panting, like he's dehydrated*}

{girl: oh, um... *takes water bottle from her bag and gives it to him* hey, you alright?}

{52: *opens his eye* "..." *takes the bottle, guzzling like his life depends on it*}

{girl: feeling better?}

{52: *looks, his vision blurred* "...An angel..."}

{girl: e-eh?? O////O oh i-im not-}

{52: "Save me...I don't want to go back to Hell..."}

{girl: ._.; um....daaaad?}

{-...-}

{52: *nom nom nom nom* >3< }

{woman: my my, he's got quite the appetite hasnt he?}

{girl: i guess...}

{woman: kinda cute too, and around your age~}

{girl: >///< mom! its not like that! jeez.}

{woman: fufu, just teasing. ^^}

{52: *stops...sips water* "...Ma'am...Young lady...Thank you both. I promise, I will repay you."}

{woman: oh, it's quite alright, really. right dear?}

{Man: *nods* "You looked pretty roughed up out there, son. Are you...in some kind of trouble?"}

{52: "..."}

{-...-}

{52: *standing on a balcony, looking up at the Moon* "..."}

{woman: *inside* is this really the right thing for us to do? letting him stay here? for all we know he could be some drug addict or a felon...it worries me.}

{Man: "I know...So far, he hasn't caused any problems...But he won't tell us where he's from."}

{woman: do we call the police?}

{girl: *walks out onto the balcony* hey, just thought i'd check up on you. ^^}

{52: "Ah...Hello, angel."}

{girl: 7//7; ...s-so whats up?}

{52: "I was admiring the Moon...It looks so happy..."}

{Moon: "HAA HAA HAA..."}

{girl: ^^; yeah.....they say people once lived on the moon.}

{52: "Wait, really? That's amazing!"}

{girl: yeah. maybe one day, i'll become an astronaut and walk on the moon. i think that'd be pretty cool......ah, look at me, spilling my dreams to a stranger. ^^;}

{52: "No, that's great--dreams are what keep us motivated. You know a lot about astronaut stuff?"}

{girl: yeah. see that constellation up there?}

{52: *looks up...nods*}

{girl: that's called 'orion's belt'.}

{52: "??? 'Orion'? 'Belt'? Like those...what are they called...'asteroids'?"}

{girl: hehe, close.}

{-...-}

{52: *tying his shoelaces*}

{Dad: "And here's the list. The grocery is 2 blocks north, 6 blocks west."}

{52: *nods* "Okay..."}

{Dad: "Don't forget my smokes either."}

{52: "??? Um..."}

{girl: ugh, dad, those are seriously gonna kill you someday.}

{Dad: "It's just when I'm stressed..."}

{girl: -_-; still...}

{-...-}

{52: *reading the list on his way back* ("That's everything...Even got the extra money back...")}

{-two figures in suits exit the house-}

{52: "!!!" *ducks back around the corner*}

{-the two figures leave-}

{52: "..." *sneaks back into the house--* "!!!"}

{-the girl and her parents lay dead on the floor-}

{52: "..." *drops the groceries* ("This is...They're dead...There--There's nothing I can do for them...Oh God...")}

{-...-}

{???: sir, the family 52 was staying with has been terminated.}

{commander: good. now he has nothing to return to. he's nothing more than a stray dog.}

{-...-}

{Joker: *puffing away on a cigarette, standing on an incomplete building*...This world sucks."}

Joker: "You taught me a lot..." *points his cigarette at the Commander* "Time to teach you the truth of this world."

commander: so you came running back like a little puppy? *draws sword* how pathetic.

Joker: *throws off his coat, revealing playing cards on fire* "Eat shit."

commander: thou who hast forsaken the sunlight, shall be left to rot in the dark.

Joker: "Which book of scripture is that, asshole?" *to his team* "I'll fight the Commander. You take care of the rest."

commander: seven. consider this your chance to prove your worth to us. kill them.

seven:....*CHARGES*

Benimaru: "??? How old is this brat?"

seven: *SNARLS and spin kick*

shadows: *charging*

nailfile: *SLICE SLICE*

Benimaru: *sighs* *struggling with one Shadow* "Fast...but reckless." *trips them*

shadow: grk-

izzy: tch- what a hassle. *pulls out a pistol* guess it's time to pull out this bad boy.

Shadow: *growls, swinging their blade towards Izzy*

izzy: *BANG*

-BOOM-

Shadow: *silent, falling down*

izzy: *smirks*

Shadow: *bear hug from behind*

izzy: ?!?

nailfile: *SLASH*

Shadow: *sliced across the chest--but even as they're bleeding profusely, punches at Nailfile's face*

nailfile: *dodge* hey! <watch the hands, buddy!>

izzy: hey! little help here!

nailfile: *SLICE*

*WHOOSH*

izzy: pah- thanks.

nailfile: anytime, girl. ^^

Benimaru: "Their breathing...They intend to kill."

commander: *attacking joker*

Joker: *dodges* "You haven't changed...The mask still looks the same."

commander: you'd be best going back into hiding.

Joker: "I just came here to play. Interested?" *flips cards over his head in a half-circle path*

-SLASH SLASH-

Joker: *charges his cards with flames, sending them to go around the Commander's sword swings--*

commander: you think you can honestly stop me? You think you're the underdog in this heroic tale--but, really, you're not the hero. You're just a mutt, who shook off his leash--and needs to be put down.

~TEN THOUSAND WILD BLADES OF THE WHIP~

Joker: "!!!" *screams in pain, before collapsing*

commander: giving up so soon? pathetic.

Joker: *tries to climb up--*

-STOMP-

Joker: *face slammed into the cement floor*

commander: *grins*

Joker: "..." *his head starts to rise*

commander: ??

Joker: *lifting his head up--with his tongue against the floor*

commander: ?!

Joker: *slides his tongue along the floor--backing up enough to push himself up, swinging his fist back at the Commander's face*

commander: *knocked back*

Joker: *spits* "I'm through with games...I need to take this more seriously..." *smiles wickedly* "A fight to the death."

commander: oh?

Joker: *puffs* "52...I'll end your life, with 52 cards."

commander: heh.

Joker: *shows his remaining cards* "Let's count!" *begins flinging cards*

commander: pah! we are as a group! you may cut us down as many times as you wish, but we shall always regroup. and those that remain solitary die alone! so tell me 52, how many cards will remain before you die?!

Joker: "Tch..." *continues his attack...but he's running out of cards*

commander: you thought you would be free if you left, but you're a weakling who couldnt survive without our help! a failure is a failure, simple as that! and a failure like you cant win on your own!

seven: ....

Joker: *pants...he's holding 2 cards in-between his fingers...as he clutches his bleeding left arm*

commander: i know all your moves, 52. im the one who taught them to you!

Joker: "..." *smiles widely* "I'm the Dreamer of the Dawn..."

commander: hn?

Joker: "I am the Smoker..."

commander: ?!

Joker: "I'M THE JOKER!"

commander: ?!?

*multiple Jokers appear around the Commander*

commander: WHAT IS THIS?!

Joker: "I learned...how to clone myself."

commander: ?!?!

Joker: *snort laugh* "Nah, I'm just kidding you." *waves his cigarette* "I smoke the good shit."

izzy: WELL THAT EXPLAINS THE SHIT SMELL!

Joker: "This is a rare breed I cultivate. I had to figure out how to make sure it only affects certain people. I'm kind of surprised my comrades today aren't seeing melting eyeballs, humanoid roaches on walls, or talking animals..."

commander: what the hell?!

Joker: "What sucks is that it kind of screws up your perception of time. Helps me to escape in the blink of an eye--but it can be disarming if you aren't used to it."

commander: damn you!

*something drops with a PLOP noise*

commander: ?!?

*The Commander's forearm is already sliced off, lying on the floor*

Joker: *smiles* "What's wrong? You're always talking about teamwork. So pull your 'team' together..."

commander: ?!?!?!?

Joker: "Now, I know what you're thinking--'But 52 used up all of his cards'! So, I need to remind you: I AM NOT 52!" *holds up a Joker card* "I always had one more..."

commander: you-

Joker: *lets out a maniacal laugh, swinging the one card, decimating the Commander's body*

seven: !!!!!

izzy: so, whadda ya want us to do about the rugrat?

seven: my name is seven.

Joker: "...Nah, that's not a name...We need to change that."

seven: thats not you-

Joker: "Nana. That works. 'Nah-nah.' Easy to say, rhymes with itself. Nana. Come, Nana..."

seven: shut up! im seven! se-ven! child of the sun! i'll cut you all to ribbons! i'll make you all pay for this!

Benimaru: *reaches out a hand, patting her head*

seven: ?!?!?!?

Benimaru: "Children should listen to their elders...But since your elders were screwed up in the head, listen to us, now, or I'll show you something to fear."

seven: *growls*

Joker: -_-; ("As if Shadows didn't have enough abusive guardians...") "You kind of suck at this parenting thing, Strongman."

Benimaru: *glare*

izzy: well, we cant take her. we got enough brats to deal with in the hell blaze. like mantis.

Joker: "..." *smiles* "What about it, Nana? Want to come home with a fellow former Shadow~?"

seven: dont touch me, traitor! the minute your back is turned, i'll stab you in the throat!

Joker: ^^; "..." *picks Nana up, slings her over his shoulder*

seven: *pounding on his back* UNHAND ME! I'LL BURN YOU ALL ALIVE! DX<

???: "As much as I would like to see that, I can't allow it."

izzy: ?!

*Burns walks in*

nailfile: aw hell.

Burns: "...Commander Shinmon. 52. 7. Miss Godfrey. Random other person."

izzy: ?!?!?! *her tone is murderous* how the hell do you know that name?

Burns: "Haijima Industries has long associated with the Church."

izzy: *hateful glare*

seven: how do you know about us? who even are you?

Joker: "Commander Burns of the 1st Brigade--your handler in the Church, Nana."

seven: my name isnt nana!

nailfile: wait, you mean commander goodie-two-shoes burns is in on this whole thing?!

Burns: *crosses his arms* "So, you're associating with common thugs, 52? I trained you better than this."

Benimaru: "... ... ..." *lightbulb* "So, you're the one who gave this clown a bowl hair-cut?"

Joker: "!!! I'LL GIVE YOU A BOWL HAIRCUT!"

izzy: we dont have time for...whatever _this_ is. we're here for-.......wait, why are we here? i forgot in all the excitement.

Joker: *composes himself* "...To get to the Secret Holy Scriptures, I have to fight the old man now?" *sighs* *looks at his one card* "Still, this should be enough for you, gramps."

Benimaru: "Great. I wanted a real challenge."

seven: ?!

Burns: *stares at Benimaru* "...I just realized...Now's not the time to fight."

Joker: "HUH?!"

Burns: "If you're here for information about the Church, I can help."

izzy: oh? and here i thought the 1st was so loyal to the church, like dogs.

Joker: -_-; "Could everyone stop with the 'dog' insults--I'm feeling self-conscious."

Benimaru: "I think we have another question to ask: you two know each other, don't you? What's going on? We've already had an extended fight sequence--time to know what your goals are and whether I can trust you."

Joker: "...Burns was the intermediary between the Church's light and dark sides. He was one of the people who trained me..."

nailfile: wait, seriously?

Joker: "Yes...Until he formed that Adora Link."

izzy: so wait, are you guys....adora bursts?

Burns: *sighs* "No. Forming an Adora Link is connecting _to_ Adora."

Joker: "And those with the Burst get a power-up from the Link. We just lose our fucking eyes."

izzy:........ .___.

Burns: "The Burst is what a handful of people possess to withstand linking to Adora, to that other world. We were not so 'blessed.'"

Benimaru: "When did you see it? When Arg or Kusakabe did?"

Joker: "No. When Amaterasu released a bunch of Infernals."

nailfile: WHAT?!

Benimaru: "I never heard of this."

Joker: "Of course not: people have to believe Amaterasu is absolutely safe...So, that's when the Shadows are called in to do the dirty work to cover it up. And Burns led that mission."

{Burns: "Where are the others?"}

{52: "Knocked down."}

{Burns: "One more target...Straight ahead?"}

{52: as far as i know, yes. just leave it to me.}

{*footsteps are heard...like crackling fire*}

{Burns: "Here it comes..."}

{infernal: GRRRK-KRAAAAAA!!}

{Burns: "AH!" *falls to his knees, covering his ears*}

{52: what the hell is this?!}

{Burns: *looks up* "!!!"}

{It's a hellscape...Are those eyeballs in the sky?}

{52: is this...hell?.....grk- GAAH! m-my eye!!}

{*A figure hovers in the sky, cloaked in white, looking down on them*}

{*The ground is burning under them*}

{52: ?!?!?!}

{???: "Mathematics. Truth. Insect. Hell. God..."}

{52: what?}

{*something is burning under 52's hand*}

{52: *looks*}

{*the entire ground is on fire!*}

{52: ?!?!?!?! *screaming*}

{Burns: *struggles to stand...before he rushes at the Infernal*}

{52: where is this?!}

{???: "Hell..."}

{Burns: *screams, as he charges his arm, putting it through the Infernal*}

{-...-}

{Burns: "52! Wake up!" *clutching his burning eye*}

{52: !??!!? w-what....what was....}

{Burns: "The Infernal...must have had the ability to cause illusions..."}

{52: no...hell...hell exists...}

Burns: "That stone you brought still burns, even in vacuum."

Joker: "Which proves your Church is hiding the existence of Hell--or Adora, or whatever you're calling it. That's what I want to prove--what Hell you're hiding here."

Burns: "..." *reaches into his jacket*

Benimaru: *fighting stance*

Burns: *pulls out a notebook* "Here is your clue."

izzy: and what's that?

Burns: "A notebook, belonging to the wife of the founder of the Church of the Holy Sun, Raffles I."

nailfile: ?!?!

Benimaru: "His wife?"

Joker: "That thing must be ancient...You took it from an archive or something?"

izzy: is it even real?

Burns: "It is. I verified the records, the paper, even the handwriting."

nailfiles: then what about the holy scriptures we came here for?

Burns: "They don't exist. Ever since the Adora Link, what I saw has not matched what I knew to be true about this world. I've used my position in the First and my association with the Church to get access to archives--research from around the world." *taps the notebook* "This was hidden away. I can't say where without revealing sources and the original location, but I assure you, this is real. This investigation led me to this book." *hands the book to Joker* "Her journal begins with the Great Diaster, the founding of the Church--and is a rare firsthand account about who Raffles I really was."

Joker: *opens* "...Her handwriting is atrocious."

Burns: "Raffles lead a team to see where the Great Disaster first happened...He was the only one to survive the trip."

nailfile: *reading* 'still, i was relieved that he had returned safely, but something seemed different about him, like he had become a different person. even though he looks the same, his habits and behavior is that of someone else. is he truly the same man i've been married to for three years?'

Joker: "I mean, when you go through something traumatizing..." *stares at his cigarette* "...it's expected you go through some changes..."

Benimaru: "...Wait...This happened in Asakusa, too."

izzy: really now?

Benimaru: "Someone who was able to change their appearance--to impersonate people from the Eighth, people from my home..."

Joker: "Yeah, but that only happened, what, months ago? We're talking 250 years ago!"

Burns: "Yet you've seen how durable Infernals are. Who's to say there isn't one that's immortal? Someone else from that higher plane, someone as long-lived as that Preacher..."

Joker: "..."

nailfile: so then...

Burns: *nods* "The Church may have been founded by Infernals, by the Preacher."

nailfile: so how do we confirm this is real?

Burns: "Aside from what I've told you--that the evidence all points to this fitting into the other facts we can confirm, such as the coincidence of Raffles being the only survivor, that he changed so much, that there are Infernals who can impersonate others...Beyond all of that, I've been thinking about how to verify this with outside-sources for a long time..."

izzy: so what now?

Joker: "Who else in the Church knows about this?"

Burns: "No one."

-elsewhere-

*A bald bearded man walks through the halls in a cloak*

guruna:...hey haumea, who's that old dude?

Haumea: "You don't know~?" *smirks*

guruna: noooope~@ OwO

Man: *makes a sign* "Bless you, child."

Man: *moaning out a religious hymn* "Bless the Sun, whose light shines upon us all, conferring its blessing onto us on our mission to convert the masses, to bring them to the light."

sasori: ......

Inka: "Wait a minute...That energy around him... ..." *grabs the beard, tugging hard* "How the hell are you doing that, Jonah?!"

Jonah: *the beard is pulled so hard it is stretching his face into a grotesque form* "OW OW OW OW!!!" T~T

sasori: WAIT WHAT?!

guruna: oh! they do that.

Jonah: T~T "You and your bodyguard have gotten so mean since you got those new outfits..." *sniff* "How dare you treat the founder of the Church of the Holy Sun like that! I, Raffles I, will not stand for such treatment! Guruna, prepare the boiling Holy Water!"

guruna: *salutes* aye aye!

arrow: -_-

sasori: suuure, and im the goddamn queen of sheba.

Inka: "I think Jonah's serious, Queen--I mean, think about it: disguises like this, never dies no matter how much you beat them--" *punching Jonah repeatedly in the head*

Jonah: "OW OW OW OW!"

dahlia: it is the truth.

sasori: GAH! jeez....so creepy.

Jonah: -3- *changes their face--into Inka's, then changes their voice to hers* "You're so mean, Sasori!"

sasori: .... -_-;

Inka: "...Is it wrong to say I look damn good?"

sasori: *facepalm*

-elsewhere-

Burns: "Raffles III must have been kept in the dark..."

Benimaru: *raises an eyebrow* "How do you know Raffles III is actually the grandson of the first one? What if he's some imposter, too?"

Joker: "Or, what if his DNA has Infernal DNA in it? Trippy..."

nailfile: gross.

Joker: "And we leave here without knowing the Preacher's plans..." *looks at the mess they left behind*

seven: ..........

Benimaru: "At least we didn't kill your Shadows. I mean, except that one." *gestures to the body pieces of the Commander*

seven:.........................

nailfile: brutal.

Burns: "Since they're from the Shadows, no one will miss them."

izzy: so do we tell everyone in the church that everything they know is a lie?

Joker: "That's my plan!"

Burns: -_-# "And ignite chaos that undermines a large segment of the world?"

Joker: "That's my plan!"

Burns: -_-# "And ignite chaos that undermines a large segment of the world?"

Joker: *crazy grin* “And yet you gave me this.” *holds up the notebook* what do you suggest?"

Burns: "More evidence. You take this to the public, they won't believe you, and the Church will not believe the word of some clownish terrorist--"

Joker: "Hey!"

Burns: "--and a commander who attacked the Church. In public."

Benimaru: -_-;

izzy: we could always blame that shapeshifter impersonating him, if that helps.

Joker: "Works for me!" ^^

Benimaru: -_-; "Maybe we should look outside of the Church...Someone else with something to gain from all of this."

izzy:....haijima.

Joker: "Makes sense."

Benimaru: "...They're the ones who give medicine to my home..."

izzy:....

Joker: "Well, you should've thought about that first."

Burns: "Get out of here--I'll clean up."

seven:....

Joker: "What'll it be, Strongman? Not too late to back out."

Benimaru: "...The Great Disaster almost destroyed this world. If anyone is going to rip things apart, it’s me--to rebuild a better world for my child. Lead the way."

Joker: "..." *smiles* "Very well. Come along, Nana."

seven: i told you, my name is seven! and who said i was going with _you_?!

Joker: *stares at her, no longer smilng* "I said."

seven: i'll kill you first!

Joker: *shows off a playing card* "Come at me, then."

seven: *bites her finger, causing it to bleed...the blood then catches fire?!*

Benimaru: "..."

Burns: *watching*

Joker: "...Oh, I get it--hot-blooded. Ha."

seven: *lunges*

Joker: *swings his card at her, dodging the hot-blood as best he can* "You're quick."

seven: *spin kick*

Joker: *catches her kick, feeling the impact* "Grk!"

seven: *GLARES*

Joker: "Very well, then..." *lifts her up by her foot--*

seven: *flailing* LET ME GO! DX<

Joker: *holding her by her foot* "...Burns, I'm taking the child."

seven: MAKE HIM UNHAND ME!

Burns: "...I'm debating which is the worst option..."

seven: *GROWLING*

Joker: "Hey, come on, Burns! You know you can trust me." *smiles*

Burns: "..." *shrugs* "Go ahead. Maybe if I'm lucky she'll keep you in line. Or kill you. Has to be better than leaving her here in the Nether to go as crazy as you did."

seven: D8<

Joker: >w# "Yay!" *carries her by her foot, upside down* "Onto Haijima, Strongman!"

Benimaru: "...This lowers the bar on parenting..." *follows*

seven: *flailing and screeching*

izzy: yeah....haijima........

-elsewhere-

man: hmmm, any reports on the dolls?

Scientist 2: "Yeah--my samples suck."

blonde man: quite unfortunate.

scientist 3: go stuff it, godfrey.

godfrey: .....and how about you?

Scientist 2: "You got an S-class--I'm so jealous. Swap with me!"

godfrey: indeed. and how about _you_. that boy...

Scientist 4: "Rekka's boy? He's coming along just perfectly."

-morning-

scarlet: ......

Joker: *whistling as he climbs in through the window*

seven:.....

scarlet:....what. did you do.

Joker: "Say 'hi' to Mommy, Nana!"

scarlet: *grabs joker by the neck* WHAT. DID. YOU. DO?

Joker: Ow# "...It was either this, or she'd stay underground as a child soldier."

scarlet:......

seven: .........

Joker: ^w#; "Can I keep her?"

seven:.........*punches joker in the nuts*

scarlet:...huh. i think she might grow on me.

seven: let me go back.

Joker: QW# "..." *collapses* *higher pitch* "I-I promised not to send you back to that...I lived there, and look how I turned out..."

seven:.....

Joker: "Red, back me up on this--tell Nana how good we have it here!"

scarlet: -_-; well, it's better than nothing i guess.

Joker: "The standard by which I live my life!"

seven:.....

scarlet:...*sniffs* ugh, you both smell terrible.

Joker: "You can give Nana her bath."

seven: ?!?!

scarlet: come on-

seven: noooo!

scarlet: ...*picks her up*

seven: *screeching and flailing*

Joker: "I'll just nap here..." *stays collapsed on the floor*

ivy: ahhhh-CHOO!

Joker: "??? Sick?"

ivy: were you smoking those fucking drugs again??!

Joker: ^w# "Daddy had to calm someone down--I promise, I'll quit tomorrow~"

ivy: you know those trigger my allergi-*ACHOO*............wait, 'daddy'. WHAT THE FUCK?!?!

Joker: "I'm just getting into the parental mindset. Nana will need her own bed. Want to share a bunkbed with her?"

scarlet: *getting the water running* come on...

seven: *SCREAMING* NO! NOOO!!! DX<

ivy:....who the FUCK is nana!?

Joker: "That loud hot-blooded screaming child is Nana. Isn't she delightful?"

ivy:......................................

Joker: ^w^;

-elsewhere-

Benimaru: *hiding in the shadows on his way to his home*

kirei: *asleep*

Benimaru: "..." *carefully enters*

kirei: zzzz

Benimaru: "..." *just looks at her* "..."

-she seems peaceful-

Benimaru: "..." *lies next to her*

kirei: mnn....

Benimaru: *hugs her*

kirei: *yawn*

Benimaru: "..."

kirei: *opening her eyes* good morning...

Benimaru: *smiles* "Good morning..." *kiss*

kirei: ^////^

Benimaru: "How are you?"

kirei: doing well. you?

Benimaru: "...Some difficulty sleeping."

kirei: mm...

Benimaru: *yawns* "Let me make us some breakfast..."

kirei: *nods*

Benimaru: *gets up, goes to the kitchen, filling the kettle with water

*knock knock*

Benimaru: "???" *slides open the door--* "..."

Konro: *eyes wide open, staring* "..."

benimaru: ah, konro. what bri-

Konro: "WHERE. WERE. YOU?"

benimaru: ... i wasnt drinking or anything like that.

Konro: "..." *pushes the door open, revealing...priests from the Church*

benimaru:...oh...

Priest 1: *bandaged* "That's the guy who punched me!"

Priest 2: *face wrapped like a mummy* "He slammed me into the side of the Church!"

Priest 3: *looking a little scuffed up* "I lost the nail on my pinky toe!"

benimaru: .....

Konro: "...Well?! Say something! Say you didn't do it!"

benimaru: i didnt have anything to do with this.

Priest 2: "YOU HERETIC LIAR! Then where were you?!"

???: "We can tell you where he was."

benimaru: ??

*It's Tsukiyo and Fang-Hua*

fang-hua: ...

Benimaru: ._.;

Tsukiyo: "Yes, we can tell you where he was! Beni-Hottie was in my bed--"

-CHOP-

Tsukiyo: T3T

fang-hua: ^^; he was helping mr owada with making dinner.

Tsukiyo: "Yeah, sure, go ask him--he'll back it up..."

Konro: "He is an older gentleman, so perhaps check when he wakes up later this morning--"

Priest 3: *screams, pulling his hair* "How are we to believe this nonsense?! They could all be lying! He can't have been in two places at the same time--"

???: *ahem* "What did I tell you three about coming here?"

fang-hua: c-commander burns!

dia:...

Priest 2: "?! S-Sir! Why are you here?"

Burns: *holds up a file* "Finally looked over fingerprints left on your clothes. They don't match Commander Shinmon. It's as I told you when I found you all unconscious: when I caught up to the suspect, I discovered he was actual one of those imitators who came through Asakusa a while ago. Obviously they got enough of a view up-close to the Commander to perfectly imitate him."

benimaru: ....

dia: indeed.

Priest 1: "Oh, you have to be kidding--"

Burns: "You doubt me?" *intense stare*

Priests 1, 2, and 3: O_O; "..." *shake heads 'no'*

dia: that's what we thought.

Burns: "Dia, bring them home. I have to check with the Commander on coordinated training exercises."

dia: yes sir. come along you three.

Priests: T_T "Yes, captain..." *follow Dia*

Burns: "..." *stares at Konro, Benimaru, Tsukiyo, and Fang-Hua*

fang-hua: um....

benimaru:....thanks.

Tsukiyo: ._.;

Tsukiyo: ._.;

Burns: "..." *nods* "You're welcome. Be less sloppy next time."

fang-hua: ??

Konro: "...Do you have time for tea?"

Burns: "No, I have to return to the church." *nods to them* "Keep your commander in check." *turns*

fang-hua:.....

Benimaru: "..." *looks at the others* "...Well, that was completely unexpected and I have no idea what he was talking about--"

Konro: *staring wide-eyed* "Are you kidding me?"

Benimaru: "..." *looks at the others* "...Well, that was completely unexpected and I have no idea what he was talking about--"

Konro: *staring wide-eyed* "Are you kidding me?"

Tsukiyo: "We were worried sick!"

fang-hua: oh jeez, what would kirei think?

Benimaru: "...None of you have any idea..."

Konro: "...Young Master..."

Benimaru: "?"

*SLAM*

fang-hua: !!!!!!!!

*Konro's fist collides with Benimaru's face*

Tsukiyo: "?!"

Benimaru: *has not moved...absorbing the blow* "..."

Konro: *shaking* "...When are you going to grow up..."

Benimaru: "...If you heard what I found--"

Konro: "You kept us all in the dark! You told us nothing! You left with some maniac and his thugs! Is this how little you trust--"

Benimaru: "I WANTED NO ONE ELSE TO GET HURT!"

kirei: beni? what's going on?

Benimaru: "..." *enters the house* "...Get inside. All of you. You too, Kabuki."

kabuki: *pokes head out* nyoron .w.;

Tsukiyo: "Oh, hey, Kabuki!" *waves*

Konro: "..." *sighs, follows inside*

-elsewhere-

Yukio: *eating breakfast, thumbing through his tablet*

stocking: jeez, the blizzard's really getting bad....so weird....

Yukio: "Hmm..." *a file with Shura's photo is on the tablet*

manager: how was your sleep?

stocking: GAH! oh jeez...

Yukio: "..." *looks up* "It was fine. Thank you. And the food is excellent--thanks."

manager: you're welcome.

gilda: *nudging rin awake*

Rin: *groans* "No, Madoka--you need to add cinnamon to the muffins..." *turns over*

stocking: *sweatdrop*

Yukio: "...Rin."

Rin: *yawns, sits up* =_= "...Oh, hey. What's up, gang?"

stocking: morning.

Rin: *stretches* *sniffs* "Smells good..." *nom* "What're we doing today?"

Yukio: *to the manager* "Pardon. I wanted to ask again about that woman who came by?"

manager: ah, yes.

Yukio: "Could you tell me more where she was heading?"

-elsewhere-

Chuuya: "I'll be back at 1--just checking the house with the real estate agent."

sonia: ok.

Chuuya: *pats her head* "You're going to keep an eye on your sister?"

sonia: *she nods*

miyuri: *doodling butterflies, which come to life and flutter around* ^^

Chuuya: "...Keep her from drawing big or violent animals*

Mito: *paws at one*

sonia: noted.

Chuuya: *looks around* "Thanks for babysitting*

higuchi: any time.

Gin: *nudges Q* "Go play."

Q: ok! ^^

Chuuya: ^^; "How's your move going?"

higuchi: pretty busy.

Gin: "Having to buy some new furniture and sheets."

-elsewhere-

Kanin: *hands Amelia her lunchbag* "Here you go!"

amelia: thank you.

Kanin: ^^ "How's your mentor-mentee training going?"

amelia: ok, i think.

Kanin: "Is your weapon working out well?"

amelia: *nods*

Kanin: "That's good--they always seem kind of quiet--" *TRIPS*

amelia: ah!

*He tripped over...a sleeping Kazue*

Kanin: @_@ "Wh-When did they get there..."

-elsewhere-

Spirit: "..."

izumi:...um....hey sis...h-happy birthday....

Spirit: *sets down a wrapped box*

izumi:....i really wish i could have met you.

Spirit: *closes his eyes, kneeling...wipes his eyes*

*footsteps*

sachiko:.....

izumi: ??

Damon: *hiding behind Soul's legs*

becky: ....

Spirit: "...Hello, Soul."

Soul: "..." *nods*

izumi:....*small wave*

Soul: *small wave back...he's holding flowers*

becky:....hi mom.

Damon: "..." *sniffles*

Soul: *gulps, sets down the flowers, hugs Damon*

izumi:......

Spirit: "..." *leans down, pats Soul's back*

-elsewhere-

Saria: "Morning, Dad."

saria's dad: morning, bugbear. *forehead kiss* dad's makin waffles~

saria's father: ^^

Saria: "Yay! Smells great!"

-elsewhere-

fuyumi: *doing laundry*

???: "Need any help?"

fuyumi: sure sho-...!!! natsuo!

Natsuo: *waves* "What's up?"

fuyumi: *hugs* it's so good to see you! how's uni?

Natsuo: "Alright..." ^^; "...I kinda brought laundry to do, too."

fuyumi: ^^ glad to hear. im sure shouto will be surprised when he gets home today.

Natsuo: "Oh, he's around? Where is he?"

fuyumi: he's at school right now. but he'll be home this afternoon.

Natsuo: "Ah..." *rubs his arm* "...How's he doing?"

fuyumi: ...he's doing better, i think.

Natsuo: "..." *nods* "...Um, I'll bring my laundry in when you're done. Want me to make something? Tea?"

fuyumi: sure thing.

-elsewhere-

Bakugo: -_- "Too hot out..."

Todoroki: "Feels cool enough."

Bakugo: >_<#

tsuyu: *casually swimming in the canal*

jirou: *stiffling* the sun is mocking us.

Tokoyami: =~= "There is no joy here."

Dark Shadow: *whimpering*

momo: maybe try to wear something other than black?

jirou: no, we live by aesthetic, even if we have to suffer for it.

Tokoyami: *fist bump*

kaminari: *sniff* so brave.

mina: TT_TT you two are martyrs of our time.

jirou: thanks babe.

Eijiro: "See, this is why I go shirtless for my super-suit...except in winter, because that would be impractical and lead to frostbite."

momo:...*writing down notes*

Iida: "Hmm...Perhaps sports drinks...Hm? Momo?"

momo: !!! i was just, um...writing poetry! OwO;;;

Iida: "...Oh!" *taps his fist into his open palm* "Creative writing can help change one's focus from the heat around them! Excellent idea! Let's try haikus--"

Bakugo: "Oh, that's just stupid! Why not write short stories, too?! So fucking dumb..."

Eijiro: "..." *counting*

Todoroki: "You're one syllable short on the third line--"

Bakugo: *GLARE*

momo: yeah...ahaha... .///.; (STUPID ME! HOW DID I NOT ACCOUNT FOR COLD WEATHER?! but how do i keep warm and still have access to my quirk? GRAAAH HOW FRUSTRATIIIING! >~< !! midnight! maybe she has a winter uniform! i could ask her!)

Iida: "We're not going to handle this heat well at this rate in our training...Perhaps we need to seek an alternate location to assist us."

ochako: how about the water park?

Eijiro: "Kinda pricy--and probably packed with people."

Todoroki: "We could pick a non-busy day."

mezou: we could check out the aquarium.

Iida: "It's air-conditioned, and seeing aquatic life may be cooling..."

ochako: yeah! maybe we'll see gang orca!

jirou: but the ushimitsudoki aquarium is in a different town...

Todoroki: "...Well, that's disappointing."

ochako: we could still go to death city's aquarium.

tsuyu: *nods*

Iida: "Then let's schedule it! Bakugo, when are you avail--"

Bakugo: "Go to Hell."

Iida: "...Momo, when are you available?"

momo: r-ru-ri-right now? OwO;;

Eijiro: "I'm up for it!"

Todoroki: "Sounds good."

ochako: heck yeah! i'll dial up the others to see if they're game.

Tokoyami: =_= "Yay..."

mineta: *duct taped to a pole* hey, you guys are gonna come back for me right?....RIGHT?! GUYS?!

Iida: "..." *walking away faster*

mineta: D8> GUYS COME OOON!

-elsewhere-

Twice: *sitting in a smoking jacket, sipping tea...that falls down his face because he won't lift his mask*

fang: *nomming on blocks*

himiko: *giggle* ^^

Dabi: *scanning the painting with UV light* "Hmm..." *draws a path on a separate sheet of paper*

Twice: "That kiddo sure seems pleased. IT'S MAKING ME JEALOUS HOW HAPPY THAT BABY IS."

fang: dada. ^o^

Dabi: "..." *keeps staring at his paper*

kurome: whatcha doin?

Dabi: "Finding what's hidden in this painting for the next search...The painter was someone with a talented Quirk for cryptography."

kurome: creep-to-graffy? what does that mean?

Twice: " 'Cryptography.' Noun. From the Greek for 'hidden writing.' ...I DON'T KNOW WHAT IT MEANS!"

Dabi: -_-# "It means hiding messages..."

kurome: oooooh. why's it hidden?

Dabi: "That's what the boss wants to find out...Kirby had access to a lot of hidden info, plus served as a secret keeper for the weaknesses of multiple Heroes."

kurome: ooooooh.

Mustard: "And yet it's taking you so long to find the answer. What's wrong--not smart enough?"

Dabi: -_-#

banshee: hmm...perhaps it's a riddle?

Dabi: "We'll know as soon as the de-coding finishes..." *types something into the computer* "Any of you good at riddles?"

banshee: i suppose. just thinking outside the box i guess.

*The computer 'BINGS'*

Twice: "*GASP* The machine that goes 'bing'!" *looks at the screen* "...I don't get it."

banshee: *sweatdrop*

*The computer now shows nine dots, arranged 3 by 3*

Message: "Connect all dots with no more than 4 straight lines to reveal the next message."

Mustard: "..."

Twice: "..."

Dabi: "..." *rips up his sheet of paper*

*The painting under UV light shows 9 larger dots glowing on it...*

Twice: *growls* "I don't know who this Kirby fool is, but I want to break every bone in their body!"

Dabi: "They're already dead."

Twice: "THEN I'LL FOLD THEIR CORPSE IN HALF TO MAKE IT EASIER TO BREAK EVERY BONE IN THEIR BODY."

Mustard: "THEY'RE DEAD."

Twice: "I'LL SNAP YOU IN HALF, STRING-BEAN!" *strangles Mustard*

banshee: hmm. *connecting the lines to form an arrow, with two points ending outside of the dots*

Twice: "Hey, wait! That painting is priceless! WE WON'T BE ABLE TO RETURN IT WITHOUT A RECEIPT!"

Mustard: X_X

*It looks like something is showing up when the painting is folded...*

himiko: oooooh!

Twice: "Numbers?"

Mustard: X_X "Coordinates..."

himiko: sweet!......to where?

Dabi: *types* "Looks to be...New York."

himiko: ooooh!

Twice: "Great! Let's take in some off-Broadway! WILLIAMSBURG HAS GOTTEN TOO BOUGIE!"

tomura: and new york is home to one of the biggest hero schools on the east coast; Silverwings Academy.

Dabi: "Hmm...Something you have in mind?"

tomura: this is where the coordinates lead.

Dabi: "Ah..." *checks the map* "On Yancy Street."

-elsewhere-

Chuuya: "It's lovely..."

carly: ^^ the main floor has the den, the kitchen, dining room, sunroom, back room and the first bathroom. upstairs is the two bedrooms, two spare rooms, and the second bathroom. there's also an attic and a basement.

Chuuya: "Could I see the backyard?"

carly: it's right this way.

Chuuya: *follows, looking at the walls* "Lots of room..."

-elsewhere-

Wes: *cooking*

liz: smells delicious.

Wes: "Thanks...I hope the kids like it." *sighs*

-elsewhere-

shura: jeez, what's with all the damn snow up here anyway...

*it sounds like something is shifting through the snow alongside her*

shura: *glances*...tch- some homecoming _this_ is, hachirou.

*a snake pokes out through the snow*

Snake: *hisses* "You've taken too long to return..."

shura: yeah yeah, i know. and what's with all the snow in the middle of may?

Snake: "I'm afraid my associate..."

shura: ??

*wind blows in Shura's face, more snow landing on her*

shura: ?!?!

*a figure emerges from the snow-covered trees*

shura: *draws sword*

*it's a woman, cloaked in white...another snake slithers onto her shoulder*

shura: so a yuki onna, huh? i thought they'd all be in hibernation by now...

Yuki Onna: *grumbles* "Can't sleep..."

shura: well this sure is strange.

Snake: "I was so impatient waiting for you that some company was appreciated..."

shura: =3= well _that's_ rude.

Yuki Onna: *grumbles* "Damn them...Lucifer..."

shura: ??!!

Snake: "The Illuminati have been encroaching on my land...If you were here, this would not be happening...Those interlopers are upsetting everything."

shura: -_-# oh sure, put all the blame on me.

Snake: "You were off gallivanting with the humans...and their weaponry. What have you learned?"

shura:....bazookas are heavier than they look. 737 also the recoil on those things is crazy.

Snake: "Hmmm...Helpful information. How many weapons are you now proficient with?"

-elsewhere-

Rin: *sneezes* =_=

stocking: find out anything helpful?

Yukio: "This is where Father located Shura before..." *tapping a temple on the map*

stocking: that's great!

Rin: *sniff* "So, we're heading there?" *grabbing a blanket*

stocking: yep. better get bundled up.

Rin: *grabs a sweater and a jacket and a scarf--*

Yukio: *checks his bullets*

-elsewhere-

Joker: "How you like the dress, Nana?"

nana: -_-####

Viktor: ._.; "...Is there anything else I need to pick up for you all?"

-elsewhere-

Benimaru: "..." *kneels down* "I ask for your forgiveness."

Tsukiyo: ._.;

Konro: "..."

fang-hua: ....this is....a lot to take in....

kirei: benimaru.....

Benimaru: "I did what I thought was best, to remove the rest of you from this, in case of culpability..."

kirei:.....*hugs*

Benimaru: "..." *holds onto her*

kirei: if you ever go on one of these excursions again, please at least tell me first.

Benimaru: "I will."

Tsukiyo: Q_Q

-elsewhere-

[teamrnbw]

RNBW v CAPA: The 4v4 Tag-Team Battle. (Part 2/3)

Nappa was carried back over to her team’s side of the field in one of Ms Star’s aura bubbles, which gently dropped her on the floor. Rusty gave the frustrated little girl a consoling hug, and William took this opportunity to dash onto the battlefield in order to take out Cutter.

“Say goodbye to your ranking, bro!” shouted William as he activated his Lock-On Semblance and bright pink cross-hairs synthesized in front of his eyes. Whipping out his Stromschlag sub-machine guns and aided by his semblance, William fired out a stream of electrically-charged bullets directly at Cutter, keeping perfect accuracy no matter how much Cutter tried to dodge.

Cutter rapidly swung his sword back and forth, expertly deflecting the bullets, but their electrical effect made it fairly difficult to do so without getting hurt in the process. Despite the blow to his pride to acknowledge this, Cutter decided that this fight would not be easily won, and quickly beat a hasty retreat, tagging out of the battle and switching in Agnes in his place.

Initially surprised at first, the silver-haired girl quickly regained her composure and expertly fired an explosive round from her Shockwelle rifle right at William’s torso, blowing him backwards.

“Oh? Is that a Hunds Shockwelle?” asked William, unsteadily getting back on his feet.

He converted his guns into their whip forms and swung them at Agnes, but she was narrowly able to dive under them. She quickly fired off a couple more rounds, which William quickly jumped out of the way of.

“Haha, yup!” she replied. “You like my taste in guns?”

“I’d say it’s a mighty fine gun for a mighty fine lady like you, ma’am.” chuckled William, as her flung another whip at Agnes. However, she quickly tranformed her rifle into its spear configuration to knock the whips aside.

“Why thank you, Mr Wulfric! That’s so nice to hear! Do you think you could offer me a discount, then~?” joked Agnes.

“Why I suppose-”

“JUST SHUT UP AND FIGHT, D*MN IT!!” shouted both Nappa and Aurelia simultaneously, interrupting William.

“Okay, okay, I’m on it, geez.” he griped, as he managed to wrap one of his whips around Agnes’s leg and combined his two SMGs into one sniper rifle, reeling the whips back in and dragging Agnes closer to him as a result. With her now at close range, William fired his rifle just as she tried to thrust her spear at him, sending a powerful lighting both crashing down right on top of the spear as if it were a lightning-rod, dealing massive damage to Agnes in the process.

Standing proud, tall, and confident in his assumed victory, William was shocked to her a sniffling noise nearby. Looking down, he saw that while Agnes hadn’t fully been defeated yet, she was knelt on the ground crying!

“ *sniffles* Th-that hurt, you meanie! WAAAAAA!!!” she sobbed.

William looked around in confusion and slight embarrassment as the members of both teams stared at him with either confusion or disdain (or pride in Nappa and Ms Star’s cases). However, by the time he returned his attention back to Agnes it was too late. No longer crying, her usual playful smirk had returned to her face and the barrel of her gun was pointed right underneath William’s chin. Too late for him to dodge, she fired an explosive round right there and then, taking him out.

“Aww, sorry about that!” she giggled.

Rusty and Brandeis both stood utterly shocked by Agnes’s subterfuge, while Nappa simply face-palmed in shame as William was carried off the battlefield back to the rest of the team.

Agnes, feeling that she needed a break after that fight, decided to leave the battlefield too, having her big sister Aurelia take her place instead.

“Do you wanna go next Brandy, or should I?” asked Rusty to her shy, blue-haired teammate.

“Umm, I suppose I should go first to let you recover a bit more...”

“What’s taking you so long? You’re not using your semblance to cheat by healing your friends, are you?” shouted Aurelia from across the field.

“C’mon, take her down a notch, Brandy! I know you can do it!” encouraged Rusty.

Carefully, Brandeis stepped onto the field, gathering up energy for her semblance. Performing elegant dancing movements, Brandeis used her Barrier Tile Semblance to send giant ornate curtains of bright blue psionic energy sweeping towards Aurelia at high speeds to try and ensnare her. Trying as much as possible to use her Telepathy Semblance to read Brandeis’s attack patterns and dodge them, Aurelia found that Brandeis’s attacks were too large and fast to evade and thus she was forced to use her Golden Wheel gattling gun to shoot through them. 

As Brandeis added onto her onslaught by skillfully hurling her Storm Knives at Aurelia, Aurelia began quickly switching back and forth between her weapon’s gun and shield modes in order to both shatter the barriers and protect herself from the knives, which produced small stormclouds as they struck.

As the fight continued, Aurelia soon became overwhelmed, and was forced to retreat, hastily running off the battlefield and hurling her sister back onto it in her stead.

“Your turn again, sis!” she shouted.

“Wh-wha?!” exclaimed Agnes as she was shoved onto the field in the path of a giant oncoming psychic tidal wave which soon crashed right on top of her and took her down for the count.

“Oh- oh my goodness! I’m so sorry!!” said Brandeis, panicking.

“It’s okay, Brandy! You’re doing great! But yeah, sorry Aggie!” reassured Rusty.

“D*ck move, Aurelia, d*ck move!” heckled Nappa.

“Pfft, whatevs.” responded Aurelia.

“It was a wise decision. Agnes was already close to elimination.” agreed Cutter.

With that, Cutter dashed onto the field once again. However this time, Brandeis had anticipated his arrival and swiftly flung a handful of ice Dust Storm Knives at him. In response, Cutter charged his katana with fire Dust and quickly slashed all the knives apart, sending fragments of them flying all over the battlefield and covering it with a thick white blanket of mist.

As Cutter bounded over the rubble on the battlefield, concealed in the mist, Brandeis sent more large energy curtains sweeping through the field in an attempt to find and ensnare him. Cutter narrowly dodged one of them and once he determined he was approximately close enough, he used his Mizugumo Semblance to sprint through the air and dash high above the battlefield right above Brandeis. With a swift and acrobatic movement he landed a slash onto Brandeis, but wasn’t able to completely eliminate her. 

Still recovering from the shock of Cutter’s surprise attack, Brandeis flung many more Storm Knives at him, and while he managed to use his katana to deflect some of them, he was still hit by enough to be engulfed in a miniature thunderstorm-blizzard.

To Brandeis’s surprise, Cutter was still able to fight within the storm cloud and began engaging in a swift series of fisticuffs with Brandeis. Though to the blue-freckled girl’s credit, Cutter found himself impressed with Brandeis’s ability to almost keep up with him in hand-to hand combat- not that he would ever admit it to her.

Beginning to get impatient, Cutter unsheathed his fire-charged katana once again and used it to sweep away the storm clouds around him. As he sprinted right for her, prepared to end the battle there and then with one last slash, Brandeis began to panic and lost control of her Semblance. This created a giant azure explosion of psychic energy, which engulfed the whole field just as Cutter’s blade was about to reach her.

As the energy storm sent chunks of rubble flying everywhere, Ms Star frantically used her Semblance to create a protective barrier of Aura bubbles, ensuring none of the other students were injured.

As most of the mist began to clear, much to team RNBW’s disappointment, it was clear that Brandeis’s last-minute attack hadn’t let her beat Cutter, who was standing over her knocked-out form on the battlefield.

As Brandeis was carried back over to her team’s side of the field, Rusty gently carried her over to some nearby seats and gently lay her on them.

“Thanks, Brandy.” said Rusty as she walked onto the battlefield to confront Cutter.

Rusty had learned from her teammates’s previous fights with Cutter. She knew she had to keep him at a distance, and that his Semblance wasn’t going to make that easy. As he dashed towards her as he always did, Rusty decided her course of action. She slammed her massive battleaxe into the ground sending the tons of rubble created in the previous fights flying up into the air, blocking Cutter’s path.

Cutter responded by using his katana to deflect some of the rubble back at Rusty, which she returned back by swinging her ax at, producing an almost tennis-like stalemate, though Cutter was still slowly getting closer. As Cutter pushed onward, his sword at the ready, both students were hit by more rubble, Rusty braced herself for Cutter’s attack, swinging her ax at him with full force.

As the two students’s blades clashed with a resounding clang, Rusty was surprised to feel that Cutter’s swing had less force behind it than she expected. Then, exhausted from his previous fights, but most of all Brandeis’s Aura storm, Cutter, #1 ranked Atlas Academy student, finally collapsed to the ground.

Chuffed, Aurelia stepped onto the battlefield glaring at Rusty. Both teams were wrought with suspense now, unable to pull their gaze away from the battlefield.

The final fight had begun.

[rnufharose]

Love Yourself (Bangtan and EXO fanfiction/SehunxOC)

Chapter 15

"Weird," Namjoon scratched his nose as we left the cafe. "their leader just walked up to you..."

"I doubt they should know me," I agreed. "I'm still new, after all..." I looked to Sehun, who walked beside Suho, that blank expression still on his face after what happened with Il-sung of Cardinal Love. It took everything inside me not to just ask him what he was thinking right now. He didn't speak a word while we were inside.

We were heading back to the cottages to get ready for the bonfire tonight, and it gave us a chance to put on a fun performance for the other groups that were participating in the award show. Just as Red Velvet and I were about to go inside, a familiar face came running toward me.

"Ha-Neul-ah!" It was the stylist from the modeling agency. What was she doing here? "It's great to see you again!"

"You too," I bowed and she grabbed my arm, hugging me close.

"Can you believe it?! I'm going to be your stylist for the award show! Don't worry, Bangtan will be in good hands!" She assured me, displaying some aegyo, her voice high-pitched and sweet.

"Who is this, Ha-Neul?" Irene asked as she looked between us.

"O-Oh, this is--" I began but the stylist cut me off.

"Aigoo! I can't believe I forgot to introduce myself!" She whined cutely. "My name is Eun-jae. I'm a stylist and I'll be handling Bangtan's look for the award show since Jeon Meijiwoo wasn't able to come."

"We look forward to working with you," Jungkook said with a grin and Eun-jae stumbled backward, staring at him for several moments before gasping.

"Y-You're... Jeon Jungkook!" She squealed.

"Yes, I am," He cackled gently.

"You're my ultimate bias!" She exclaimed, running up to him. "I'm going to make sure you're the sexiest man on stage!"

"Why um," he scratched his cheek with the tip of his index finger, grinning shyly. "thanks...?" He spoke with uncertainty and looked over at me, "Ha-Neul, should we work on something fun for tonight's bonfire?"

"Ne!" I replied with a vigorous nod. "I like dancing with you. It's a lot of fun."

"You're... going to perform at the bonfire together?" Eun-jae asked slowly and my friend responded.

"Yes, I want us to warm up for the award show in two weeks. Think of tonight's performance as a test run."

"Well then," she clasped her hands together, continuing to display some aegyo. "Good luck! I hope you two have a wonderful performance tonight."

"Gamsahamnida," I bowed before her and she giggled, walking away.

"Weird girl," Wendy said, holding her hip and watching her leave. "Or is it just me...?"

"No no," Yeri waved. "She's way too chipper... I understand what you mean... anyway, you both should get ready if you're going to perform tonight! We look forward to the entertainment."

"We should sing in Japanese," I faced Jungkook. "What do you think, Oppa? Should we?"

"Good idea," he agreed. "it's only right to introduce the culture of this region by singing in Japanese. Let's get started."

******

"Sehun-ah," Chanyeol tapped the maknae's shoulder. "Sehun-ah! We gotta come up with something for tonight! You haven't spoken since we got gelato!"

Suho looked away from his sheet music and toward the youngest member, furrowing his brows in concern, "Sehun?" He stood up, holding his shoulder. He knew it had to do with Il-sung and the affection he showed Ha-Neul.

The black-haired male licked his lips, elbows on his thighs and hands folded as he continued to play through Il-sung kissing Ha-Neul's hand. He knew that man suddenly became interested in her, and he wasn't going to let him have his way. He stood up and looked at Chanyeol, "I know what we're going to sing!"

"You do?" Chanyeol raised his brows, eyes wide.

Suho took a step back, "You do?!"

"You do?!" Kai shouted toward the maknae, still reading book and music blasting in his ears.

"Why do I have a feeling this isn't going to go as planned?" Kyungsoo pressed a hand to his mouth.

"Don't you get it?!" Baekhyun smacked his shoulder. "Sehun-ah likes Ha-Neul! That's why he's angry!"

"We're singing in Japanese," Sehun stated. "Loving You More from the COUNTDOWN album."

"B-But--!" Kai stuttered, his book falling out of his hands as he took off his earbuds. "Th-That's for the drama I was in!"

"Too late," Sehun urged. "It's my song to Ha-Neul now!"

"Waaaaaa, he really does like her," Xiumin muttered in amazement. "Why didn't you tell us?"

"Yeah, we're allowed to date now," Chen added. "We would have been fine with it."

"She just debuted," Sehun answered. "If a scandal came out about us dating soon after she became an idol, Bangtan's image would have been ruined. We're keeping it a secret so please, you all need to keep quiet about this too."

"Y-Yeah, of course, we will," Chanyeol replied. "But you do realize that if you sing that song, people will figure it out."

"They won't," he shook his head, "not if Bangtan sings with us. I want Il-sung to know she's mine, and he can't have her."

"You sure are clingy," Kyungsoo laughed, standing. "Alright then. We'll get Bangtan over here."

"What about Ha-Neul?" Kai wondered.

"She's performing too," he stated. "That way, no one knows what's actually going on."

In the beginning, it seemed they were making a joke about their youngest member falling for a girl, but it actually happened. For a while, they wondered if Sehun was interested in anyone, and he always answered by saying he wouldn't get married until he was thirty, but here he was--crazy about a girl he only met several weeks ago. They were happy he was being free with someone other than them. Their little brother was finally growing up.

Without hesitation, he called the Bangtan and they walked into the cottage, taking a seat on the floor or the couch. "What's going on?" Jimin asked as he took a seat beside Kai.

"Sehun wants us to perform together," Suho said to him. "He wants to..." he tried to word the next phrase carefully without giving away Sehun's attraction toward Ha-Neul. "prove to Cardinal Love that we are better..."

Ha-Neul looked at Suho for several moments, and he met her gaze, giving her a discreet nod as if telling her he knew. She had a feeling this had to do with when Il-sung kissed her hand, "Prove you're better?" She parroted. "That... doesn't sound right."

Taehyung scrunched his nose. "Why would we? It's not like we hate them or anything."

"It's nothing like that," Sehun agreed. "It has to do with Ha-Neul, and since you are her older brothers in a sense, don't you find it odd that he suddenly just walked up to her?"

"Well," Yoongi crossed his arms, contemplating what he said. "you're right. It did rub me the wrong way, actually."

"Oppa!" Ha-Neul faced Yoongi in disbelief. "You do know that I can take care of myself. It may not look like it, but I'm very grounded!"

"Ha-Neul-ah is right. He isn't a bad guy," Hoseok spoke up. "He was just being a gentleman."

"Well, either way, it would make me very happy if you sang with us anyway," Sehun clapped his hands together. "If we're going to prove to our fans that we have always been friends then we should do this. The reason for this award show is to end fan wars after all."

"You have a point," Jin said. "alright, we'll collaborate with you. It's a request that's been long overdue."

"Gomaweo, hyung," Sehun sighed with relief.

"It's no problem," Namjoon shook his head. "Just tell us which song you want us to sing with you, give us the line distribution, and we'll be ready."

"We know the choreography of all your songs already," Jungkook assured him. "so you don't have to worry about practice," he gave Ha-Neul a sad grin and looked down. "Mianhe... it looks like our partner performance for tonight will be postponed..."

"It's okay," Ha-Neul shook her head and grinned back, butterflies fluttering in her stomach as she mulled over Sehun's request.

The maknae of the older group looked at her once more, noticing the look of uncertainty in her eyes. It wasn't like he was doing this for ill purposes. He just wanted her attention and he wasn't going to let anyone else take that away from him. He had nothing against Cardinal Love... just its leader and his shameless behavior--well, shameless in Sehun's eyes, as hypocritical as it sounds.

******

The bonfire was lit on the stage, and Bangtan and EXO were ready for their performance. Ha-Neul was standing backstage, her eyes on the various boy and girl groups that were in the audience, all seated on logs that were placed on the sand, the sound of waves in the distance and the sun had finally set on the horizon. She could see the stars now, the orange and indigo gradient of the sky breathtaking.

She was wearing a leopard print dress with black sheer sleeves and a choker around her neck, her dainty dancer's feet in heels. Sehun took in her slender legs and the way her hair cascaded down her back. He fixed the cufflinks on his leather blazer and walked up behind her, inhaling the sweet scent of apple blossoms from her perfume before wrapping his arms around her petite frame, nuzzling the side of her head.

"Oppa," she spoke quietly. "If the others see--"

"So what," he cut her off. "My hyungs know about us... they won't say anything."

"But my hyungs will," she chuckled, giving into his embrace. "You're really angry, aren't you...?"

"Very," he spoke sincerely. "Jagiya, all I want is for you to focus on me. I want to be the only one who makes you happy."

"You're such a puppy," Ha-Neul giggled. "if you wanted my attention, you could have just said so."

"But I want more," he breathed, closing his eyes. "If I could just make you my little doll... and I could hold onto you and never let you go... the things I want to do to you, jagi..." he husked with need.

"You dirty minded potato," she teased him and she heard him laugh into her hair before he pulled away, his hands on her shoulders as he turned her to face him, his dark eyes staring into her bright brown ones.

"This song is for you," he said, his expression solemn now. "no matter what, whatever song I'm performing, if we're performing on the same stage or you're watching, all of the songs I sing are for you. They are my feelings for you."

Ha-Neul gave a single nod and she heard Jungkook call out, "It's time!"

"We should go," she said and walked past him, and Sehun followed close behind.

The members of Bangtan and EXO took their places on stage, their mics adjusted and Ha-Neul scanned the audience once more. She spotted Red Velvet up front, all waving toward her and she smiled back at them. Several logs back, she saw Cardinal Love and Il-sung stared in her direction. She listened to the music as it began and so began their choreography.

[Sehun] Cause I love you more, love you more, baby Cause I love you more Tell me what you need cause I love you more

[Baekhyun, D.O.] If I could just forget, it would be easier but Just as I was back then, I'm here still unchanged The pain as if a dagger Stabbed me in the heart No one can replace you, nobody

[Chanyeol, Xiumin, Suho] You're also unchanged as well, right? Why did we let them go? Our hands, now I'll go to you Find me, temperature rising Cause I'm Loving you more compared to yesterday Loving you more I'm starting to love you The time we spend separated Baby cause I'm Loving you more compared to yesterday Loving you more compared to a second ago I'm yearning for you I'm missing you, I'm missing you

[D.O., Chanyeol, Suho, Sehun, Chen, Kai] Hey girl, let's get out of here, let's escape You don't have to act strong anymore We rise again, how many times we fall We rise again Let go, let's escape from this reality You don't have to act strong anymore We rise again, hey I'll hold onto your hand and lead the way Listen up girl, I love you more

[RM, Hoseok, Suga] An obstacle can never be seen by the eyes I want to embrace you at any time But even this doesn't come true And get tangled again in someone's expectations Even if you're not there it's the same The more I think of you, the deeper I fall I gather the shattered puzzle pieces again Baby love you more

[Jungkook, Jin] You're also unchanged as well, right? Why did we let them go? Our hands (Now I'll go to you) Now I'll go to you Find me, temperature rising

[Ha-Neul, V] Cause I'm Loving you more compared to yesterday Loving you more I'm starting to love you The time we spend separated Baby cause I'm Loving you more compared to yesterday Loving you more compared to a second ago I'm yearning for you (Whoo whoo whoo whoo whoo) I'm missing you, I'm missing you

[Jimin, Suga, Jin, Hoseok, Jungkook] Hey girl, let's get out of here, let's escape You don't have to act strong anymore We rise again, how many times we fall We rise again Let go, let's escape from this reality You don't have to act strong anymore We rise again, hey I'll hold onto your hand and lead the way

[Il-sung, Min-jae] If we end up breaking (Oh girl) We just have to fix it again, any number of times We rise up, we rise up again I won't let go of your hand a second time Baby cause I love you more Cause I'm Lovin' you mo' compared to yesterday Lovin' you mo' I'm starting to love you The time we spend separated Baby cause I'm Lovin' you mo' compared to yesterday Lovin' you mo' compared to a second ago I'm yearning for you I'm missing you, I'm missing you

[Min-jae, Hyun-wook, Il-sung, Cheol-min] Hey girl, let's get out of here, let's escape You don't have to act strong anymore We rise again, how many times we fall We rise again Let go, let's escape from this reality You don't have to act strong anymore We rise again, hey I'll hold onto your hand and lead the way

Before Kyungsoo could sing the outro, it seemed someone else had decided to take over. Bangtan and EXO stopped their choreography, watching as the four males of Cardinal Love took the stage, headsets adjusted with Il-sung holding a mic as he sang. Ha-Neul watched as he tucked his free hand into one of the pockets of his slacks, walking toward her. As for Cheol-min and Min-jae, they sang the sub-vocals while Hyun-wook took the rap parts. This wasn't a part of the show but she noticed the other groups watching with intent.

Il-sung finished the song, taking her hand again, and behind her, Sehun was boiling with rage, his expression apathetic to hide how he was truly feeling.

"Cho Ha-Neul," Il-sung began, pressing a second kiss to her knuckles. "we meet again..."

"We are Cardinal Love," Min-jae spoke now. "we're new idols as well, but... not as popular as Bangtan and EXO. We've recently debuted."

"That's right," Cheol-min said in a monotonous tone.

Hyun-wook smirked, narrowing his eyes, "Hey, Shawty... hope we can become good friends."

"I hope so too," Il-sung agreed. "because we'll be seeing more of each other from now on."

MASTERLIST